Communication devices, methods, and systems

ABSTRACT

Numerous aspects of communication devices, methods, and systems are described in this application. One aspect is a system comprising a body having a skin facing surface and an opposing surface and an energy generator operably coupled to the body and comprising a plurality of generator elements operable to output a plurality of different energy types in a signal direction toward skin. Each generator element of the plurality of generator elements may be independently operable to output one energy type of the plurality of different energy types in the signal direction. When the skin facing surface of the body is positioned relative to the skin, the energy generator may affect tissues associated with or adjacent to the skin by causing one or more generator elements of the plurality of generator elements to output an energy signal in the signal direction with one or more different energy types.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a § 1.53(b) continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 17/213,117, filed Mar. 25, 2021, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/757,482, now U.S. Pat. No.10,959,674, which is a § 371 National Stage Entry of InternationalPatent Application No. PCT/US18/56814, filed Oct. 22, 2018, claiming thebenefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/676,949, filed May 26, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/575,951, filed Oct. 23, 2017, the entireties of which areincorporated by reference into this application.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to communicationdevices, methods, and systems.

BACKGROUND

Computer screens have emerged as the most common means forperson-to-computer communication. In 2015, for example, it was estimatedthat the average adult spends roughly 10 hours a day looking at a screento consume information and/or communicate with others. The human eye wasnot designed for all this screen time, and numerous health problems havebeen associated therewith. For example, eyestrain from hours of screentime may cause instances of eye irritation, dryness, fatigue, and/orblurred vision that last for extended periods of time. These problemsare increasingly common, and the near constant production of newscreen-oriented devices (e.g., the next iPhone®) suggests furtherincreases.

Alternate means for person-to-computer communications may reduce thenegative effects of excessive screen time. For example, the human bodyincludes many non-optical nerves that are capable of communicating datato the brain, such as the nerves associated with the skin. Furtherimprovements are required to better leverage these and othercommunication capabilities of living tissue. Aspects of this disclosuremay solve the above reference problems, solve other known problems,and/or overcome other deficiencies in the prior art.

SUMMARY

Numerous aspects are disclosed in this application. One exemplary aspectis a communication device comprising: a body comprising a distal surfacecompatible with skin; a tissue interface on the distal surface, thetissue interface comprising a plurality of energy generators, eachenergy generator being operable to output a plurality of energies in asignal direction toward the skin; an attachment element configured tomaintain the tissue interface against the skin; and a processing unitconfigured to communicate with nerves associated with the skin byreceiving input data from a data source and causing the plurality ofenergy generators to output an energy signal in the signal directionwith one or more energies of the plurality of energies.

The body may be flexible. The body may comprise a plurality ofcommunication bays, and each energy generator may be located in andconfigured to output the energy signal out of one of the communicationbays. The body may comprise an insulating material configured to promoteflows of the one or more energies out of each communication bay in thesignal direction, and limit flows of the one or more energies betweenthe plurality of communication bays. The attachment element may comprisea plurality of holes aligned with the plurality of communication bays,and each energy generator may be configured to output the plurality ofenergies through one of the holes. An interior surface of eachcommunication bay or hole may be configured to direct the one or moreenergies in the signal direction. The interior surface of eachcommunication bay or hole may be configured to focus at least one energyof the one or more energies in the signal direction.

The attachment element may comprise a biocompatible adhesive disposed onthe distal surface of the body. The attachment element may comprise anelastic portion configured to maintain the tissue interface against theskin. The elastic portion may expand to receive a circular portion ofthe skin and contract to maintain the tissue interface against thecircular portion of the skin. The body may be removably attached to theattachment element. The input data may comprise a measurement, and theprocessing unit may be configured to modify at the energy signal basedon the measurement. The processing unit may be configured determine achange of the measurement and modify the energy signal based on thechange of the measurement.

The plurality of energy generators may be spaced apart on the distalsurface of the body in a pattern; each energy generator may be operableto output the one or more energies in the signal direction toward adifferent point on the pattern; and the energy signal may comprise aplurality of symbols based on the pattern. Each symbol may comprise aplurality of dots, and each dot may correspond with one of the differentpoints on the pattern. The plurality of symbols may comprise at leastone alphanumeric symbol. The processing unit may be operable with theplurality of energy generators to scroll the plurality of symbols acrossthe skin at a scroll rate in a communication direction transverse withthe signal direction.

The input data may comprise vital signs of a subject, and the pluralityof symbols may comprise a symbol associated with each vital sign. Theplurality of symbols may comprise a symbol associated with an identityor location of the subject. The processing unit may be configured to:determine a change of the vital signs; and modify the one or both of theplurality of symbols and the scroll rate based on the change of thevital signs. The processing unit may be configured to: output one ormore of the plurality of symbols with a first combination of the one ormore energies when the change is within a predetermined range; andoutput the one or more of the plurality of symbols with a secondcombination of the one or more energies when the change is outside thepredetermined range.

The data source may comprise one or more data sources, and theprocessing unit may be configured to: receive the input data from theone or more data sources; generate a control signal based on the inputdata; and cause the plurality of energy generators to output the energysignal according to the control signal. The processing unit may beconfigured to: determine a change in the input data; and modify thecontrol signal based on the change of the input data. The control signalmay comprise a scroll rate for the energy signal the processing unit maybe configured to: determine the scroll rate based on the input data; andcause the plurality of generators to scroll the energy signal across theskin at the scroll rate.

Each energy generator may comprise a plurality of generator elements anda controller operable with the plurality of generator elements to outputthe plurality of energies; the control signal may comprise outputcommands for each controller of each energy generator; and eachcontroller may be configured to receive the control signal, select oneof the output commands, and cause one or more of the plurality ofgenerator elements to output the one or more energies based on theselected one of the output commands.

Each energy generator may comprise a plurality of generator elements,and each generator element may be operable to output one of theplurality of energies in the signal direction. The plurality ofgenerator elements may comprise one or more of: an impact generatorelement; a heat generator element; a shock generator element; and apressure generator element. Each generator element may be configured tooutput the one of the plurality of energies toward a similar point orarea on the skin. The plurality of generator elements may be arrangedcoaxially with a communication axis parallel to the signal direction.

The data source may comprise a local sensor that is attached to the bodyand configured to output a portion of the input data. The data sourcemay comprise at least one remote sensor that is remote from the body andconfigured to output a portion the input data. The processing unit maybe configured to receive the input data from a server in communicationwith the at least one remote sensor. The at least one remote sensor maycomprise a health monitoring device. The device may comprise a powergenerator attached to the body. The power generator may comprise aphotovoltaic cell mounted to a proximal surface of the body. The one ormore energies may comprise: a first energy configured to communicate theenergy signal; and a second energy configured to modify a penetrationdepth of the first energy. The first energy may be communicable with afirst portion of the nerves, and the second energy may be communicablewith a second portion of the nerves.

The body may comprise an impact absorbing material; and the attachmentelement may comprise a garment configured to maintain a position of theimpact absorbing material relative to a user body. The processing unitmay be configured to determine a direction of movement for the user bodyand output the energy signal based on the direction of movement. Theprocessing unit may be configured to determine a change in the directionof movement and modify the energy signal based on the change in thedirection of movement. The attachment element may comprise a shoe, andthe distal surface of the body may comprise an interior surface of theshoe. The input data may comprise GPS signals, the processing unit maybe configured to determine a direction of movement for a user body basedon the GPS signals.

The attachment element may comprise a grip, and the body may comprise anexterior surface of the grip. The grip may be integral with a weaponcomprising a sight, the input data may comprise data associated with anorientation of the sight, and the energy signal may be configured tocommunicate a status of the weapon based on the orientation of thesight. The input data may comprise data associated with an alignment ofthe sight with a target, and the processing unit may be configured tooutput the energy signal with a first combination of the one or moreenergies when the target is not aligned with the sight and a secondcombination of the one or more energies when the target is aligned withthe sight.

The device may be implantable. The attachment element may comprise abone plate engageable with a bone to orient the tissue interface towardan underside of the skin. The attachment element may comprise a tissuein-growth structure interactable with living tissue to maintain anorientation of the tissue interface toward an underside of the skin.

The plurality of energy generators may be arranged in bands; theattachment element may be configured to maintain each band against theskin; the input data may comprise input data for each band; and theprocessing unit may be configured to communicate with nerves associatedwith the skin by causing the plurality of energy generators in each bandto output a different energy signal based on the input data for eachband. The body may extend along a longitudinal axis; and the bands maybe spaced apart along the longitudinal axis. The body may be configuredto wrap around a limb so that the longitudinal axis of body is alignedwith a longitudinal axis of the limb, and the bands wrap around the limbabout the longitudinal axis. The processing unit may be operable withthe plurality of energy generators to scroll each different energysignal in each band in a communication direction transverse with thesignal direction. The input data for each band may comprise differentvital signs, and each different energy signal may be based on one of thedifferent vital signs.

The signal direction may comprise a first signal direction and thedevice may comprise an optical interface on a proximal surface of thebody; the optical interface may comprise at least one display elementoperable to output at least one color toward eyes in a second signaldirection opposite of the first signal direction; and the processingunit may be operable with the tissue interface and the optical interfaceto communicate simultaneously with nerves associated the skin and theeyes by outputting the energy signal with the one or more energies ofthe plurality of energies in the first signal direction and outputtingan optical signal with the at least one color in the second signaldirection.

The body may extend along a longitudinal axis, and the first and secondsignal directions may be transverse with the longitudinal axis. Theenergy signal and the optical signal may be scrolled together along orabout the longitudinal axis. The processing unit may be configured to:receive the input data from the data source; generate a control signalbased on the input data; cause the plurality of energy generators tooutput the energy signal according to the control signal; and cause theat least one display element to simultaneously output the optical signalaccording to the control signal. The energy signal may correspond withthe optical signal.

The input data may comprise vital signs of a subject, the energy signalmay comprise a plurality of symbols associated with the vital signs, andthe optical signal may comprise the plurality of symbols. The processingunit may be configured to: determine a change of the vital signs; andmodify the plurality of symbols based on the change of the vital signs.The device may comprise a motion sensor attached to the body, and theprocessing unit may be configured to selectively output the opticalsignal in response to the motion sensor.

Another exemplary aspect may comprise a system. For example, the systemmay comprise: a plurality of any communication devices described herein;and at least one processor that is in communication with the pluralityof communication devices and configured to: generate a corrective motionsignal based on position data for the plurality of communicationdevices; and cause each communication device to output its energy signalbased on the corrective motion signal.

The system may comprise at least one position sensor configured todetermine the position data and output the position data to the at leastone processor. The position data may comprise an actual location of eachcommunication device; and the at least one processor may be configuredto generate the corrective motion signal based on the actual location ofeach communication device and a target location of each communicationdevice. The position data may comprise an actual spatial configurationof the plurality of communication devices; and the at least oneprocessor may be configured to generate the corrective motion signalbased on the actual spatial configuration and a target spatialarrangement for the plurality of communication devices. The at least oneprocessor may be configured to: determine a movement direction for eachcommunication device based on the actual and target spatialarrangements; and cause each communication device to scroll its energysignal across the skin in the movement direction.

Each communication device may be mounted to a different part of a userbody; and the target spatial arrangement may comprise a physicalposition of the user body defined by relative positions of eachdifferent part of the user body. The physical position of the user bodymay comprise a pose or a stance. The at least one processor may beconfigured to guide the user body through a series of differentpositions by determining the movement direction at intervals andmodifying the energy signal for each interval.

Another exemplary aspect may comprise another communication device. Inkeeping with above, the device may comprise: a body comprising a distalsurface compatible with skin; a tissue interface on the distal surface,the tissue interface comprising a plurality of energy generators, eachenergy generator being operable to output a plurality of energies in asignal direction toward the skin; and a processing unit configured tocommunicate with nerves associated with the skin by receiving inputdata, and causing the plurality of energy generators to output one ormore energies of the plurality of energies in the signal direction.

The body may be flexible. The device may further comprise an attachmentelement configured to maintain the tissue interface in a position on oradjacent the skin. The distal surface of the body may comprise abiocompatible adhesive that is adherable to the skin. The body maycomprise a plurality of communication bays, and each energy generatormay be located in one of the communication bays. The attachment elementmay comprise a plurality of holes aligned with the plurality ofcommunication bays, and each energy generator may be configured tooutput the plurality of energies through one of the holes. An interiorsurface of each communication bay or hole may be configured to directthe one or more energies in the signal direction. The interior surfacemay be configured to focus the at least one energy of one or moreenergies. The attachment element may comprise an elastic band. The bodymay be removably attached to the attachment element.

Another exemplary aspect may comprise another communication device. Thecommunication device may comprise: a body comprising a distal surfacecompatible with skin; a tissue interface on the distal surface, thetissue interface comprising a plurality of energy generators, eachenergy generator being operable to output a plurality of energies in asignal direction toward the skin; an attachment element configured tomaintain the tissue interface against the skin; and a processing unitconfigured to communicate an energy signal to nerves associated with theskin by receiving input data, and causing the plurality of energygenerators to output one or more energies of the plurality of energiesin the signal direction.

The plurality of energy generators may be spaced apart in a gridpattern, and each energy actuator may be operable to output theplurality of energies towards a different point on the grid pattern. Theenergy signal may comprise a plurality of symbols, each symbol maycomprise a plurality of dots, and each dot may correspond with one ofthe different points on the grid pattern. The plurality of dots in eachsymbol may be arranged in a dot pattern within the grid pattern. Theprocessing unit may be operable with the plurality of energy generatorsto scroll the plurality of symbols across the skin in a communicationdirection transverse with the signal direction. For example, theprocessing unit may be operable with the plurality of energy generatorsto output and scroll each symbol using a different combination of theone or more energies of the plurality of energies.

The input data may comprise a measurement, and the processing unit maybe configured to communicate the energy signal by selecting the one ormore energies of the plurality of energies based on the measurement. Forexample, the processing unit may be configured to communicate the energysignal by determining a change of the measurement and modifying the oneor more energies of the plurality of energies based on the change of themeasurement.

Another exemplary aspect may comprise another communication device. Forexample, the communication device may comprise: a body comprising adistal surface compatible with skin; a tissue interface on the distalsurface, the tissue interface comprising a plurality of energygenerators, each energy generator being operable to output a pluralityof energies in a signal direction toward the skin; an attachment elementconfigured to maintain the tissue interface on or adjacent the skin; anda processing unit configured to communicate an energy signal to nervesassociated with the skin by: (i) receiving input data; (ii) selectingone or more energies of the plurality of energies based on the inputdata; and (iii) causing the plurality of energy generators to output theone or more energies in the signal direction.

The processing unit may be further configured to communicate the energysignal by: (iii) determining a change in the input data; and (iv)modifying the one or more energies based on the change. The processingunit may be further configured to communicate the energy signal by: (v)selecting a scroll rate based on the input data; and (vi) causing theplurality of generators to scroll the one or more energies across theskin at the scroll rate. The energy signal may comprise a plurality ofsymbols scrolled across the skin in a communication direction transversewith the signal direction. At least one symbol of the plurality ofsymbols may be an alphanumeric symbol.

Another exemplary aspect may comprise a communication method. The methodmay comprise: receiving, with a processing unit, input data for acommunication device comprising a tissue interface maintainable on oradjacent skin, the tissue interface comprising a plurality of energygenerators, each energy generator being operable to output a pluralityof energies in a signal direction toward the skin; and operating, withthe processing unit, the plurality of energy generators to communicatewith nerves associated with the skin by outputting one or more energiesof the plurality of energies in the signal direction based on the inputdata.

The receiving step may comprise receiving the input data from one ormore data sources. For example, the one or more data sources maycomprise at least one of patient monitoring device, a remote server, anda sensor. The receiving step may comprise receiving the input data fromthe one or more data sources at regular intervals, and the operatingstep may comprise outputting the one or more energies based on the inputdata received during each regular interval. The input data may comprisea control signal, and the operating step may comprise outputting the oneor more energies based on the control signal.

The method may further comprise generating, with the processing unit, acontrol signal based on the input data, wherein the operating stepcomprises outputting the one or more energies based on the controlsignal. Generating the control signal to may comprise associating theinput data with a plurality of symbols, and the operating step maycomprise communicating the plurality of symbols to the skin with the oneor more energies. For example, the input data may comprise vital signsof a patient, and each symbol may be associated with one or more of thevital signs. The one or more energies may comprise a first combinationof the plurality of energies followed by a second combination of theplurality of energies. The one or more energies also may comprise afirst energy communicable with a first portion of the nerves, and asecond energy communication with a second portion of the nerves.

Another exemplary aspect may comprise another communication method. Themethod may comprise: receiving, with a processing unit, input data for acommunication device comprising a tissue interface maintainable on oradjacent skin, the tissue interface comprising a plurality of energygenerators, each energy generator being operable to output a pluralityof energies in a signal direction toward the skin; and operating, withthe processing unit, the plurality of energy generators to communicatean energy signal to nerves associated with the skin by outputting one ormore energies of the plurality of energies in the signal direction basedon the input data.

The operating step may comprise outputting different combinations of theone or more energies, and each different combination may communicate adifferent portion of the energy signal. The energy signal may compriseone or more symbols, and the operating step may comprise outputting theone or more energies to communicate the one or more symbols. Theoperating step may comprise scrolling the one or more symbols across theskin in a communication direction transverse with the signal direction.The one or more symbols may comprise an alphanumeric symbol.

The operating step may comprise: outputting a first combination of theone or more energies to communicate a first symbol of the one or moresymbols, and outputting a second combination of the one or more energiesto communicate a second symbol of the one or more symbols. The operatingstep may comprise: outputting a first combination of the one or moreenergies to communicate the energy signal, and outputting a secondcombination of the one or more energies to communicate a characteristicof the energy signal. The input data may comprise a measurement, and theoperating step may comprise outputting the one or more energies based onthe measurement. For example, the operating step may comprise modifyingthe one or more energies based on a change of the measurement.

Another exemplary aspect may comprise another communication method. Forexample, the method may comprise: receiving, with a processing unit,input data for a communication device comprising a tissue interfacemaintainable on or adjacent skin, the tissue interface comprising aplurality of energy generators, each energy generator being operable tooutput a plurality of energies in a signal direction toward the skin;generating, with the processing unit, a control signal based on theinput data; and operating, with the processing unit, the plurality ofenergy generators to communicate with to nerves associated with the skinby outputting one or more energies of the plurality of energies in thesignal direction based on the control signal.

Another exemplary aspect may comprise another communication device. Thedevice may comprise: a body comprising a distal surface compatible withskin; a tissue interface on the distal surface, the tissue interfacecomprising a plurality of energy generators arranged in bands, eachenergy generator being operable to output a plurality of energies in asignal direction toward the skin; and a processing unit configured tocommunicate with nerves associated with the skin by receiving inputdata, and causing the plurality of energy generators in each band tooutput one or more energies of the plurality of energies in the signaldirection.

The body may be flexible. The device may further comprise an attachmentelement configured to maintain the tissue interface in a position on oradjacent the skin. For example, the attachment element may comprise adistal surface adherable to the skin. The attachment element may beproximal of the tissue interface and configured to maintain the bandsagainst the skin. The attachment element may be configured to maintainthe bands against the skin by applying a tensile force to the body.

Another exemplary aspect may comprise another communication device. Thedevice may comprise: a body extending along a longitudinal axis, andcomprising a distal surface compatible with skin; a tissue interface onthe distal surface, the tissue interface comprising a plurality ofenergy generators arranged in bands spaced apart along the longitudinalaxis, each energy generator being operable to output a plurality ofenergies in a signal direction toward the skin; an attachment elementconfigured to maintain the bands of the tissue interface against theskin; and a processing unit configured to communicate energy signals tonerves associated with the skin by receiving input data, and causing theplurality of energy generators to output an energy signal in each bandwith one or more energies of the plurality of energies.

The body may be configured to wrap around a limb so that thelongitudinal axis of body is aligned with a longitudinal axis of thelimb, and the bands wrap around the limb about the longitudinal axis.The processing unit may be configured to move the energy signal in eachband so as to scroll the energy signal around the limb. The one or moreenergies may comprise: a first energy configured to communicate one ormore symbols; and a second energy configured to modify the one or moresymbols.

Another exemplary aspect may comprise another communication method. Themethod may comprise: receiving, with a processing unit, input data for acommunication device comprising a tissue interface maintainable on oradjacent skin, the tissue interface comprising a plurality of energygenerators arranged in bands, each energy generator being operable tooutput a plurality of energies in a signal direction toward the skin;and causing, with the processing unit, the plurality of energygenerators in each band to communicate with nerves associated with theskin by outputting one or more energies of the plurality of energies inresponse to the input data.

The receiving step may comprise receiving the input data from one ormore data sources. For example, the receiving step may comprise:receiving input data comprise a plurality of measurements; and causingthe plurality of energy generators in each band to output the one ormore energies based on one measurement of the plurality of measurements.The method may further comprise outputting a first combination of theone or more energies when the one measurement is inside of an acceptablerange; and outputting a second combination of the one or more energieswhen the one measurement is outside of the acceptable range.

The receiving step may comprise receiving input data comprising aplurality of vital signs; and the causing step may comprise causing theplurality of energy generators in each band to output the one or moreenergies based on one vital sign of the plurality of vital signs. Theinput data may comprise a control signal for each band, and theoperating step may comprise outputting the one or more energies based onthe control signal for each band. The method may further comprisegenerating, with the processing unit, a control signal for each bandbased on the input data, wherein the operating step may compriseoutputting the one or more energies based on the control signal for eachband.

Another exemplary aspect may comprise another communication method. Themethod may comprise: receiving, with a processing unit, input data for acommunication device comprising a tissue interface maintainable on oradjacent skin, the tissue interface comprising a plurality of energygenerators arranged in bands, each energy generator being operable tooutput a plurality of energies in a signal direction toward the skin;and causing, with the processing unit, the plurality of energygenerators to communicate energy signals to nerves associated with theskin by outputting an energy signal in each band with one or moreenergies of the plurality of energies. The energy signal may compriseone or more symbols based on the input data, and the operating step maycomprise outputting the one or more symbols to the skin with one or moreenergies. The operating step may comprise scrolling the one or moresymbols across the skin in a communication direction transverse with thesignal direction.

Another exemplary aspect may comprise a communication system. The systemmay comprise: (A) a plurality of communication devices, eachcommunication device comprising: a body comprising a distal surfacecompatible with skin; and a tissue interface on the distal surface, thetissue interface comprising a plurality of energy generators, eachenergy generator being operable to output a plurality of energies in asignal direction toward the skin; and (B) a processing unit incommunication with at least one of the plurality of communicationdevices and configured to: generate, with one or more processors, acorrective motion signal based on position data for the plurality ofcommunication devices; and operate, with the one or more processors, theplurality of energy generators of each communication device to outputone or more energies of the plurality of energies in the signaldirection based on the corrective motion signal.

The system may further comprise at least one position sensor configuredto determine the position data and output the position data to theprocessing unit. The position data may comprise an actual location ofeach device of the plurality of communication devices; and theprocessing unit may be configured to generate, with the one or moreprocessors, the corrective motion signal based on the actual locationsand a target location for each device of the plurality of communicationdevices.

The position data may comprise an actual spatial arrangement of theplurality of communication devices; and the processing unit may beconfigured to generate, with the one or more processors, the correctivemotion signal based on the actual spatial arrangement and a targetspatial arrangement for the plurality of communication devices. Theprocessing unit may be configured to: determine, with the one or moreprocessors, a movement direction for each communication device based onthe actual and target spatial arrangements; and operate, with the one ormore processors, the plurality of energy generators of eachcommunication device to output the one or more energies toward the skinin the signal direction and move the one or more energies across theskin the movement direction.

Another exemplary aspect may comprise another communication method. Themethod may comprise: generating, with one or more processors, acorrective motion signal for a plurality of communication devices basedon position data, each communication device comprising a tissueinterface with a plurality of energy generators, each energy generatorbeing operable to output a plurality of energies in a signal directiontoward the skin; and operating, with the one or more processors, theplurality of energy generators of each communication device to outputone or more energies of the plurality of energies in the signaldirection based on the corrective motion signal. The method may comprisereceiving the position data from the plurality of communication devicesor a remote position sensor.

Another exemplary aspect may comprise another communication method. Themethod may comprise: receiving, with one or more processors, positiondata for a plurality of communication devices mountable on or adjacentskin, each device comprising a tissue interface with a plurality ofenergy generators, each energy generator being operable to output aplurality of energies in a signal direction toward the skin; receivingor generating, with the one or more processors, a corrective motionsignal for the plurality of communication devices based on position datafor each communication device; and operating, with the one or moreprocessors, the plurality of energy generators of each communicationdevice to output one or more energies of the plurality of energies inthe signal direction based on the corrective motion signal.

At least one of the communication devices may comprise a positionsensor, and the method may comprise receiving, with the one or moreprocessors, the position data from the position sensor. The method maycomprise: determining, with the one or more processors, an actualspatial arrangement of the plurality of communication devices based onthe position data; and identifying, with the one or more processors, atarget spatial arrangement for the plurality of communication devices,wherein the generating step comprises generating, with the one or moreprocessors, the corrective motion signal based on the actual spatialarrangement and the target spatial arrangement. The method may comprise:determining, with the one or more processors, a movement direction foreach communication device based on actual and target spatialarrangements; and operating, with the one or more processors, theplurality of energy generators of each communication device to outputone or more energies toward the skin in a shape associated with themovement direction for each communication device.

The method may comprise operating, with the one or more processors, theplurality of energy generators of each communication device to move theshape across the skin in the movement direction. Each communicationdevice may be mounted to a different portion of a body; and the targetspatial arrangement may comprise a physical position of the body definedby the relative positions of each different portion of the body. Thephysical position of the body may comprise at least one of a stretchingposition, a lifting position, a pose, or a stance.

The target spatial arrangement may comprise a series of target spatialarrangements, and the method may comprise: selecting arrangements fromthe series of target spatial arrangements; and repeating thedetermining, generating, and operating steps for each selectedarrangement. The selecting step may be performed at predeterminedintervals so as to coordinate relative movements between each selectedarrangement. The series of target spatial arrangements may comprise oneor more stretches, yoga poses, or defensive postures.

Another exemplary aspect may comprise another communication device. Thedevice may comprise: a body comprising a proximal surface compatiblewith eyes, and a distal surface compatible with skin; a tissue interfaceon the distal surface, the tissue interface comprising a plurality ofenergy generators, each energy generator comprising a tissue interfaceoperable to output a plurality of energies in a first signal directiontoward the skin; an optical interface on the proximal surface, theoptical interface comprising at least one display element operable tooutput at least one color in a second signal direction toward the eyes;and a processing unit operable with the tissue interface and the opticalinterface to communicate simultaneously with nerves associated with skinand eyes by outputting one or more energies of the plurality of energiesin the first signal direction and at least one color in the secondsignal direction.

The body may extend along a longitudinal axis, and the first signaldirection may be transverse with the longitudinal axis. The secondsignal direction may be transverse with the longitudinal axis. The firstand second signal directions may extend oppositely along a signal axistransverse with the longitudinal axis. The body may be conformable witha curved shape. The body comprises a flexible body configured to wraparound a limb so that the longitudinal axis has a circular shape.

The processing unit may receive input data from one or more sources, theone or more energies may be output as an energy signal based on theinput data, and the one or more colors may be simultaneously output asan optical signal based on the input data. The energy signal maycorrespond with the optical signal. The outputs may be flashed orscrolled together. For example, the optical signal and the energy signalmay be scrolled together along the longitudinal axis. The input data maycomprise a vital sign of the patient, the energy signal may communicatethe vital sign to the skin, and the optical signal may simultaneouslycommunicate the vital sign to the eyes. The processing unit may beconfigured to determine a change of the vital sign over time andsimultaneously modify one or both of the optical signal and the energysignal based on the change. The input data may comprise alphanumericsymbols, the optical signal may communicate the alphanumeric symbols tothe eyes, and the energy signal may simultaneously communicate thesymbols to skin.

Another exemplary aspect may comprise another communication device. Thedevice may comprise: a body extending along a longitudinal axis, thebody comprising a proximal surface compatible with eyes and a distalsurface compatible with skin; a tissue interface on the distal surfaceof the body, the tissue interface comprising a plurality of energygenerators, each energy generator being operable to output a pluralityof energies in a first signal direction toward the skin; an opticalinterface on the proximal surface, the optical interface comprising atleast one display element operable to output at least one color in asecond signal direction toward the eyes; a sensor on the body; and aprocessing unit configured to communicate simultaneously with nervesassociated with the eyes and the skin by: receiving input data from thesensor or a remote data source, causing the plurality of energygenerators to output one or more energies of the plurality of energiesin the first signal direction as an energy signal, and causing thedisplay element to output the at least one color in the second signaldirection as an optical signal.

The first and second communication signals may be scrolled togetheralong the longitudinal axis. The energy signal may be outputcontinuously. The optical signal may be output in response to a movementdetected by the sensor. The movement may comprise aligning the opticalinterface with the eyes.

Another exemplary aspect may comprise another communication device. Thedevice may comprise: a body comprising a proximal surface compatiblewith eyes and a distal surface compatible with skin; a tissue interfaceon the distal surface of the body, the tissue interface comprising aplurality of energy generators, each energy generator being operable tooutput a plurality of energies in a first signal direction toward theskin; at least one sensor; an optical interface on the proximal surface,the optical interface comprising at least one display element operableto output at least one color in a second signal direction toward theeyes; a processing unit configured to communicate simultaneously withnerves associated with the eyes and the skin by: receiving vital signdata from the at least one sensor, causing the plurality of energygenerators to output one or more energies of the plurality of energiesin the first signal direction as an energy signal, and causing the atleast one display element to output the at least one color in the secondsignal direction as an optical signal.

The energy signal and the optical signal may be scrolled across the bodyin a communication direction transverse with the longitudinal axis. Theat least one display element may comprise a touchscreen, and the energysignal may be moveable together with optical signal along or around thelongitudinal axis by operation of the touchscreen. The first directionmay be transverse with the second direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part ofthis specification. These drawings illustrate exemplary aspects of thepresent disclosure that, together with the written descriptions providedherein, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

FIG. 1A depicts an exemplary energy signal output onto a living tissue;

FIG. 1B depicts an exemplary communication device configured to outputthe energy signal of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A depicts a top-down view of the FIG. 1B device;

FIG. 2B depicts a bottom-up view of the FIG. 1B device;

FIG. 2C depicts a cross-section view of the FIG. 1B device taking alongsection line A-A of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A depicts a cross-section of an exemplary energy generator;

FIG. 3B depicts a bottom-up view of the FIG. 3A generator;

FIG. 4A depicts an impact energy output with the FIG. 3A generator;

FIG. 4B depicts a heat energy output with the FIG. 3A generator;

FIG. 4C depicts an electrical energy output with the FIG. 3A generator;

FIG. 4D depicts a pressure energy output with the FIG. 3A generator;

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary processing unit;

FIG. 6A depicts another exemplary communication device;

FIG. 6B depicts another exemplary communication device;

FIG. 6C depicts another exemplary communication device;

FIG. 6D depicts another exemplary communication device;

FIG. 7A depicts another exemplary communication device;

FIG. 7B depicts another exemplary communication device;

FIG. 7C depicts another exemplary communication device;

FIG. 7D depicts another exemplary communication device;

FIG. 8A depicts another exemplary communication device;

FIG. 8B depicts a cross-section view of the FIG. 8A device;

FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary method;

FIG. 10 depicts another exemplary method;

FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary communication system;

FIG. 12 depicts another exemplary method;

FIG. 13A depicts another exemplary communication device;

FIG. 13B depicts another view of the device of FIG. 13A;

FIG. 14A depicts another view of the device of FIG. 13A; and

FIG. 14B depicts another view of the device of FIG. 13A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present disclosure are now described with reference toexemplary communication devices, methods, and systems. Particularaspects reference a healthcare setting, wherein the described devices,methods, and systems may allow a single caregiver to monitor vitalsignals for a plurality of patients without using a screen, or at leastwith a reduced amount of screen time. Any references to a particularsetting, such as healthcare; a particular user, such as a caregiver; aparticular data, such as vital signals; or particular amount of screentime, are provided for convenience and not intended to limit the presentdisclosure unless claimed. Accordingly, the aspects disclosed herein maybe utilized for any analogous communication device, method, orsystem—healthcare-related or otherwise.

The terms “proximal” and “distal,” and their respective initials “P” and“D,” may be used to describe relative components and features. Proximalmay refer to a position closer to a hand of user, whereas distal mayrefer to a position further away from said hand. With respect to a handadjacent a living tissue, for example, proximal may refer to a positionaway from the tissue, whereas distal may refer to a position toward saidtissue. As a further example, with respect to energy directed toward theliving tissue, proximal may refer to energy directed away from thetissue and distal may refer to energy directed toward the tissue.Appending the initials P or D to a number may signify its proximal ordistal location or direction. Unless claimed, these directional termsare provided for convenience and not intended to limit this disclosure.

Aspects of this disclosure may be described with reference to one ormore axes. For example, an element may extend along an axis, be movedalong said axis in first or second direction, and/or be rotated aboutsaid axis in a first or second direction. One axis may intersect anotheraxis, resulting in a transverse and/or perpendicular relationshiptherebetween. For example, two or three perpendicular axes may intersectat an origin point to define a Cartesian coordinate system. Thedirectional terms proximal and distal may be used with reference to anyaxis. One axis may be a longitudinal axis extending along a length of anelement, such as a central longitudinal axis extending along the lengthand through a centroid of the element.

Terms such as “may,” “can,” and like variation, are intended to describeoptional aspects of the present disclosure, any of which may be coveredby the claims set forth below. Terms such as “comprises,” “comprising,”or like variation, are intended to describe a non-exclusive inclusion,such that a device, method, or system comprising a list of elements doesnot include only those elements, but may include other elements notexpressly listed or inherent thereto. The term “and/or” indicates apotential combination, such that a first and/or second element maylikewise be described as a first element, a second element, or acombination of the first and second elements. These potentialcombinations are provided as examples. Numerous other combinations areinherent to this disclosure. Unless stated otherwise, the term“exemplary” is used in the sense of “example” rather than “ideal.”

Aspects of this disclosure are directed to devices, methods, and systemsfor communicating with the brain through nerves associated with a livingtissue. Some aspects are described with reference to an energy signalincluding one or more energies output to communicate symbols to theliving tissue. The symbols may be used to communicate data, and the oneor more energies may be used to communicate aspects of the data. Theliving tissue may be a portion of skin, as shown in FIGS. 1A-8D. In ahealthcare setting, the energy signal may be output towards the skin ofa caregiver to communicate symbols associated with a status of apatient. For example, an intensity of the one or more energies mayescalate responsive to a measure of the status, providing a non-visualalert to the caregiver if the measure changes.

Exemplary energies and energy signals are now described with referenceto FIG. 1A, which depicts an exemplary energy signal 90 including aplurality of symbols 92 output onto a communication area 4 of a skin 2with one or more energies 32. For illustrative purposes, the symbols 92of FIG. 1 are shown from a proximal-to-distal direction, as they wouldbe output to skin 2 by an energy transceiver. Each energy 32 may beconfigured to communicate aspects of the data to the brain throughnerves associated with skin 2, such as nerves located distal ofcommunication area 4. For example, the one or more energies 32 shown inFIG. 1A may be recognizable by touch receptors, such as the Meissner'scorpuscle; temperature receptors, such the Ruffini corpuscle and Krausecorpuscle; electrical receptors, such as the muscles and pain receptorslocated in the dermis layer; pressure receptors such as the Paciniancorpuscle; and/or other cutaneous or subcutaneous nerves that innervatethe skin or other living tissue.

Each symbol 92 may be associated with different data. For example, inthe healthcare setting, each symbol 92 may be associated with a vitalsign of the patient, such as body temperature, pulse rate, respirationrate, and/or blood pressure. As shown in FIG. 1A, the plurality ofsymbols 92 may include a first symbol 92A, a second symbol 92B, and athird symbol 92C. In keeping with the previous example, first symbol 92Amay be associated with temperature and pulse rate, second symbol 92B maybe associated with respiration rate, and third symbol 92C may beassociated with blood pressure. Any number of symbols 92 may be providedand/or associated with a measurable or non-measurable characteristic ofthe patient.

Symbols 92A, 92B, and 92C are shown as pip patterns of dots in FIG. 1A,wherein each dot is a shaded area. Each dot may represent an output ofthe one or more energies 32. Aspects of energies 32 and/or each symbol92A, 92B, and 92C may increase the complexity of energy signal 90, andthus the amount of data transmitted therewith. As shown in FIG. 1A,symbols 92A, 92B, and 92C may be scrolled across communication area 4 byoutputting energies 32 toward the skin in the pip patterns; and movingthe patterns across the skin in a communication direction CD. In FIG.1A, first symbol 92A is a pip five dot pattern; second symbol 92B is apip six dot pattern; and a third symbol 92C is a pip three dot patternthat has been truncated by an end of communication area 4 due to thescrolling. Symbols 92 may be flashed and scrolled. For example, the fivedots of first symbol 92A in FIG. 1A may be output to communicate atemperature range of the patient (e.g., a normal range), and flashedon-and-off to communicate the pulse rate of the patient.

An exemplary energy transceiver 10 is depicted in FIG. 1B as beingconfigured output energy signal 90 to communication area 4 of skin 2. Asshown, energy transceiver 10 may be attached to a portion of skin 2,including any portion located on a limb, such as the underside of ahuman wrist shown in FIG. 1B for example. Communication area 4 may besized approximate to a perimeter of transceiver 10. In thisconfiguration, transceiver 10 may be configured to communicate energysignal 90 to skin 2 by outputting the one or more energies 32 towardcommunication area 4 in a signal direction oriented toward skin 2. Asshown in FIG. 1A, the energies 32 may be output individually and/or incombination to communicate aspects of any of symbols 92A, 92B, and 92Cto skin 2.

Additional aspects of exemplary energy transceiver 10 are now describedwith reference to FIGS. 2A-C. As shown, transceiver 10 may comprise: abody 20; a tissue interface 30; a processing unit 60; and an attachmentelement 70. With these elements, and the variations described herein,energy transceiver 10 may be configured to communicate energy signal 90to nerves associated with skin 2 by outputting the one or more energies32 towards skin 2 with tissue interface 30.

As shown in FIGS. 2A-C, body 20 may contain the elements of energytransceiver 10. For example, body 20 of FIGS. 2A-C has a lengthextending along a longitudinal axis X-X, a width extending along alateral axis Y-Y, and a thickness extending along a proximal-distal axisZ-Z. The length, width, and/or thickness of body 20 may be compatiblewith skin 2. For example, body 20 may be composed of a flexiblebiocompatible base material, such as a polymeric material, so that thelength and width of body 20 are conformable against a curvature of skin2.

Body 20 may include any shape and be conformable with any curvature. Forexample, body 20 may be conformable with a cylindrical shape of a humanforearm (e.g., FIG. 1B), a semi-spherical shape a human forehead (e.g.,FIG. 6B), or an irregular curved shape of a human foot (e.g., FIG. 7A).A plurality of bodies 20 may be joined together to accommodate somecurvatures. For example, side surfaces of body 20 of FIGS. 2A-C may beremovable engageable with side surfaces of additional bodies 20 tocreate a joined layer conformable with the curvature.

The base material of body 20 may have insulating and/or energy-directingproperties. For example, the base material may include compositionsand/or coatings that promote energy flows along proximal-distal axisZ-Z, and limit energy flows along axes X-X and/or Y-Y. Body 20 may bemanufactured from the base material using any known process. Forexample, body 20 may be molded or 3D printed from a base material thatis biocompatible, dielectric, impact resistance, sound absorbing, and/orthermally resistant, such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and likepolymeric materials. Additional materials and/or coatings may beincluded with the base material and/or applied to body 20 to furtherpromote biocompatibility.

As shown in FIGS. 2A-C, body 20 may define a proximal surface 22 (FIG.2A) opposite of a distal surface 24 (FIG. 2B) along proximal-distal axisZ-Z (FIG. 2C). In FIGS. 2A and 2C, for example, proximal surface 22includes a processor compartment 23 configured to receive processingunit 60. As shown, and described further below, processing unit 60 maybe removable engageable (e.g., snap-fit into) with processor compartment23. Body 20 may include and/or be compatible with additional mechanismsfor securing and/or releasing the snap-fit, such as a retaining screwand/or a lever.

Body 20 of FIGS. 2A-C includes a plurality of communication bays 25. Asshown, each communication bay 25 may be spaced apart from the next ondistal surface 24 in a grid pattern. The spacing may be uniform ornon-uniform. In FIGS. 2B and 2C, the bays 25 are spaced apart uniformlyfor communication with the skin 2 of FIG. 1B, which has a fairly planarsurface area. Non-uniform spacing may be used to accommodate a curvatureof skin 2. As shown in FIG. 2C, each communication bay 25 may extendproximally into body 20 through distal surface 24 along a communicationaxis z-z that is parallel with the proximal-distal axis Z-Z oftransceiver 10. In FIG. 2C, a conduit 26 extends proximally from eachbay 25, through an interior portion of body 20, and into processorcompartment 23, placing the plurality of bays 25 in communication withcompartment 23.

Aspects of tissue interface 30 are now described with reference to FIGS.2B and 2C. As shown, tissue interface 30 may include a plurality ofenergy generators 31, and each generator 31 may be located in one ofcommunication bays 25. Each generator 31 may be operable with processingunit 60 to output energies 32 individually and/or in combination. InFIGS. 2B and 2C, for example, the one or more energies 32 are beingoutput from the shaded generators 31 to communicate energy signal 90 ofFIG. 1A. As shown in FIG. 2C, one or more conductors 27 may extendthrough each conduit 26 to connect processing unit 60 to each energygenerator 31, allowing control signals to be transmitted betweenprocessing unit 60 and the plurality of energy generators 31 along oneor more pathways.

As shown in FIG. 2C, the one or more conductors 27 may include anynumber of electrical wires and/or optical fibers configured to transmitthe control signals. For example, the conductors 27 may comprise aplurality of electrical conductors interconnecting the plurality ofgenerators 31 with processing unit 60, and allowing electricity-basedcontrol signals, energies, and communications to be transmitted betweenunit 60 and generators 31. In addition or alternatively, the conductors27 may comprise a plurality of optical fibers interconnecting theplurality of generators with processing unit 60, and allowinglight-based control signals, energies, and communications to betransmitted between unit 60 and generators 31. For example, eachconductor 27 may comprise a twisted pair including at least oneelectrical conductor and at least one optical fiber. A flexibleenergy-insulating medium, such as an epoxy, may be used to sealconductors 27 in conduits 26.

A cross-section of an exemplary energy generator 31 is depicted in FIG.3A. As shown, each generator 31 may include: a housing 33; a controller34; and a plurality of generator elements, such as: an impact generatorelement 36; a heat generator element 42; a shock generator element 48;and a pressure generator element 52. Examples of each generator elementare now described.

Similar to body 20, housing 33 may include an insulating material thatsurrounds portions of each generator 31 and/or defines mounting surfacesfor generator elements 36, 42, 48, and/or 52. For example, housing 33may be made of the same base material as body 20 or a compatiblematerial; and/or formed together with body 20 by a molding, printing, orlike process. As described below, portions of each generator element 36,42, 48, and/or 52 may extend distally from housing 33 to contact skin 2.Housing 33 of FIG. 3A includes an attachment feature 33A configured tosecure each generator 31 in one of the communication bays 25. Forexample, attachment feature 33A may include a set of threads on housing33 that are engageable with an interior surface of bays 25. Other typesof chemical or mechanical attachment may be used, includingbiocompatible adhesives, snap-fit connections, and the like.

Exemplary generator elements 36, 42, 48, and 52 may be arranged tooutput their respective energies 32 in approximately the same direction.As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, each generator element 36, 42, 48, and 52may be arranged coaxially with communication axis z-z so that eachenergy 32 may be output toward skin 2 in signal direction SD. Because ofthis coaxial configuration, each energy 32 may be output towardapproximately the same point or area on skin 2, making the energies 32interchangeable. For example, any of the dots included in energy signal90 of FIG. 1A may be interchangeably communicated to approximately thesame point on skin 2 with any of the energies 32.

As shown in FIG. 3A, controller 34 may be configured receive a controlsignal 82 from processing unit 60, and activate generator elements 36,42, 48, and 52 according to signal 82. The one or more conductors 27 maytransmit the control signal 82 to generator elements 36, 42, 48, and 52from processing unit 60 and/or direct electricity to generator elements36, 42, 48, and 52 from a power source 66 of processing unit 60 (e.g.,FIG. 5 ). Energy transceiver 10 may be an all-electrical device, whereincontrol signal 82 is an electrical signal and first and the conductors27 are electrical wires. For varied response times, and energyrequirements, transceiver 10 also may be an electro-optical device,wherein control signal 82 includes an optical signal, and at least oneof the conductors 27 includes an optical fiber. For example, controller34 may receive control signal 82 from processing unit 60 with a firstone of conductors 27 (e.g., a first electrical and/or opticalconductor), and direct electricity to one or more of the generatorelements 36, 42, 48, and 52 with a second one of conductors 27 (e.g., asecond electrical conductor) according to signal 82.

Additional aspects of generator elements 36, 42, 48, and 52 are nowdescribed with reference to FIGS. 4A-D. As shown in FIG. 4A, forexample, impact generator element 36 may be configured to communicate animpact energy 32A to the brain through nerves associated with skin 2.For example, impact generator element 36 may be a mechanical actuatorthat converts electricity from power source 66 into a mechanicalmovement recognizable by touch receptors of skin 2, such as Meissner'scorpuscle. As shown, generator element 36 may include a drive mechanism37, a piston 38, a tissue contact 39, and a guide tube 40. Drivemechanism 37 may include a motor assembly that is attached to controller34 and conductively engaged therewith. In this configuration, controller34 may direct electricity to drive mechanism 37, causing the motorassembly to move piston 38 distally along communication axis z-z,outputting impact energy 32A in signal direction SD. Different forcetransfer components also may be used to apply energy 32A, includinglevers and like actuators.

As shown, drive mechanism 37 may be configured to move piston 38 betweena retracted position, wherein tissue contact 39 is contained housing 33(e.g., FIG. 3A); and an extended position, wherein at least a portion ofcontact 39 is distal of housing 33 (e.g., FIG. 4A). Accordingly, impactenergy 32A may be output in signal direction SD as a physical movementof skin 2 caused by moving tissue contact 39 distally. Aspects of impactenergy 32A may be modified. For example, outer tube 40 may be attachedto housing 33 and include interior surfaces configured to modify thetiming of energy 32A by guiding the proximal-distal movements of tissuecontact 39 (e.g., by rotating or stabilizing contact 39). A resilientelement may be added between drive mechanism 37 and contact 39 to dampensuch movements.

Heat generator element 42 may be configured to communicate a heat energy32B to the brain through nerves associated with skin 2. As shown in FIG.4B, generator element 42 may include an electrical resistor thatconverts electricity from power source 66 into an amount of heatrecognizable by temperature receptors of skin 2, such the Ruffinicorpuscle. For example, heat generator element 42 may include anelectrical resistor 43, a heat reflecting groove 44, a conductor 45, andan insulating material 46. Groove 44 may include a metal plate attachedto an exterior surface of outer tube 40 of generator element 36.Resistor 33 may include an electrical wire or coil attached to groove44. Conductor 45 may include an electrical wire extend betweencontroller 34 and resistor 43, and material 46 may including an epoxysurrounding conductor 45.

As shown in FIG. 3B, electrical resistor 43 and heat-reflecting groove44 may be circular elements arranged coaxially with communication axisz-z. Conductor 45 may be configured to transmit electricity to electricresistor 43 for conversion into heat energy 32B. Groove 44 may include aconcave shape extending proximally into housing 33 to contain resistor43, and the shape may include a distal surface configured to reflectheat energy 32B toward skin 2. In this configuration, heat signal 32Bmay be output in signal direction SD as an amount of heat transferred toskin 2 by resistor 43. Aspects of heat signal 32B may be modified. Forexample, the size, shape, and/or exterior coating of resistor 43 orgroove 44 may be configured to modify the intensity of heat energy 32B.

Shock generator element 48 may be configured to communicate anelectrical energy 32C to the brain through nerves associated with skin2. As shown in FIG. 4C, shock generator element 48 may be anelectroshock generator that converts electricity from power source 66into an electrical shock recognizable by electricity-sensitivereceptors, such as the muscles and pain receptors located in the dermislayer of skin 2. For example, energy generator element 48 may include atleast two electric contacts 49, a conductor 50, and an insulatingmaterial 51. The conductors 50 may be metallic rods or wires extendingdistally from controller 34. Insulating material 51 may be an epoxysurrounding each conductor 50. Each contact 49 may include a dischargeshape located on the distal-most end of one of conductors 50. In thisconfiguration, controller 34 may direct electricity through conductors50, and into the discharge shape of contact 49, allowing electricity toflow through skin 2 between the contacts 49 to output electrical energy32C.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the electrical contacts 49 may be spaced apart in aradial pattern coaxial with communication axis z-z. Any number ofcontacts 49 may be used, in any geometrical and/or spatialconfiguration. Insulating material 51 may be used to define and maintainthe spacing. As shown, insulating materials 51 and 46 may be the samematerial, such as an epoxy. Four contacts 49 are shown in FIG. 3B, forexample, as being arranged in two pairs. Aspects of electrical energy32C may be modified. For example, the arrangement of contacts 49 may bechanged; and/or the size of or spacing between each contact 49 changedto modify the intensity of energy 32C.

Pressure generator element 52 may be configured to communicate apressure energy 32D to the brain through nerves associated with skin 2.As shown in FIG. 4D, pressure generator element 52 may be anelectroacoustic transducer that converts electricity from power source66 into a sound wave recognizable by pressure receptors of skin 2, suchas the Pacinian corpuscle. For example, pressure generator element 52may include a cone 53, a voice coil 54, and a magnet 55. In thisconfiguration, controller 34 may direct electricity into voice coil 54for interaction with magnet 55, causing movements of cone 53 thatgenerate the pressure energy 32D in signal direction SD.

As shown in FIGS. 3B and 4D, cone 53 may have a frustoconical shape thatis coaxial with communication axis z-z. An outer edge of cone 53 may beattached an interior surface of housing 33, and an inner edge of cone 53may be attached to voice coil 54, which may be coupled to controller 34and power source 66 by one or more conductors. As shown, coil 54 mayhave a circular shape, and generator elements 36, 42, and 48 may belocated in the interior of said shape. Aspects of pressure energy 32Dmay be modified. For example, cone 53 and/or voice coil 54 may include asurround, a spider, a secondary frame, or any other structuresconfigured to modify signal responsiveness; the strength of magnet 55may be varied; and/or controller 34 may include an amplifier configuredto modify an intensity of pressure energy 32D.

Different generator element types also may be used to communicatesignals to the skin with different energies 32, and/or differentcombinations of energies 32. For example, the plurality of generators 31may be modified to vary individual or combined outputs of energies 32A,32B, 32C, and 32D; and/or include additional generator elementsconfigured to output additional signals to skin 2, including opticalsignals, magnetic signals, and/or any physically recognizable signals.Any type of generator element may be used and likewise coaxiallyarranged according to FIGS. 3A through 4D.

Additional aspects of an exemplary processing unit 60 are now describedwith reference to FIG. 5 . As shown, processing unit 60 may beconfigured to receive input data 80 from a data source 81 and outputcontrol signal 82 and/or electricity to each controller 34 viaconductors 27, causing activation of one or more energy generators 31.For example, processing unit 60 of FIG. 5 includes a housing 61, a datatransceiver 62, one or more processors 63, a memory 64, a communicationbus 65, and a power source 66.

Data source 81 may include any combination of local and/or remote datasources. For example, source 81 may include a local sensor that islocated in one of communication bays 25 and configured to send inputdata 80 to unit 60 using conductors 27 and/or bus 65, This configurationmay allow for closed loop communications in which energy signal 90 isbased on data from the local sensors. For example, the local sensor maygenerate the input data 80 based on chemical and/or physical outputsrelated to skin 2.

Data source 81 also may include a remote data source in constantcommunication with processing unit 60 via data transceiver 62, such as aremote sensor configured to send input data 80 to processing unit 60with data transceiver 62 over a wired or wireless connection. Thisconfiguration may allow for open loop communications in which energysignal 90 is based on data from the local sensor and/or the remotesensor.

Any number and type of local sensors may be used to generate input data80, and the sensor(s) may be located at any position on or relative toenergy transceiver 10. In the healthcare setting, for example, one localsensor may include a personal health tracker (e.g., a Fitbit® or aniWatch®) configured to generate input data 80 based on chemical and/orphysical outputs of the wearer (e.g., heart rate, temperature), andcommunicate input data 80 to data transceiver 62 at regular intervals(e.g., once per second or once per minute).

Housing 61 may contain the elements of processing unit 60, and/orprovide a means for removing processing unit 60 from body 2, allowingfor easy repairs and upgrades. As shown in FIGS. 1B and 5 , for example,exterior surfaces of housing 61 may be snap-fit with interior surfacesof compartment 23 so that the distal surface of processing unit 60 ismaintained against the proximal surface of compartment 23. For example,the exterior surfaces of housing 61 of may include protrusions biasedoutwardly along the X-X and Y-Y axes, and the interior surfaces ofcompartment 23 may include grooves configured to receive saidprotrusions.

Transceiver 62 may include any wired or wireless communicationtechnology configured to receive input data 80 form any data source(s)81, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 33, and the like. As shown in FIG. 5 ,input data 80 may be generated with or stored on data source 81 andreceived with transceiver 62. In a healthcare setting, for example, datasource 81 may include at least one patient monitoring device configuredto send input data 80 to a remote server at regular intervals (e.g.,once per minute). Data 80 may include various measures regarding thepatient, such as body temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate, and/orblood pressure. For example, transceiver 62 may be configured toretrieve and/or receive data 80 from the remote server at regularintervals (e.g., once per second or once per minute).

Each control signal 82 may be received with input data 80. Datatransceiver 62 may be configured to relay the signals 82 to the one ormore processors 63 and/or memory 64. Alternatively, processing unit 60may be configured to generate each control signal 82 based on input data80. For example, memory 64 may include a signal generating program, andthe one more processors 63 may be configured to generate each controlsignal 82 with the program. In keeping with previous examples, thesignal generating program may be configured to: analyze the input data80 sent from data sources 81 including a patient monitoring deviceduring an interval; generate symbol 92A from the temperature and pulserate, symbol 92B from the respiration rate, and symbol 92C from theblood pressure; and output a control signal 82 for communicating thesymbols 92A, 92B, and 92C to skin 2.

As shown in FIG. 5 , communication bus 65 may be configured to connectthe one or more processors 63 and memory 64 to each generator 31, suchas to each controller 34. Bus 65 may include electrical and/or opticalconnectors 67 located on and/or extending distally through housing 61.For example, communication bus 65 may comprise a flexible circuit boardincluding a proximal surface supporting elements of processing unit 60,and a distal surface including an electrical and/or optical networkextending from power source 66 to the connectors 67. Any type of networkmay be used, such as a mesh network. Connectors 67 may be engageablewith corresponding connectors of conductors 27 to provide at least onepathway for outputting control signal 82 from processing unit 60 to oneor more generators 31, and/or electricity from power source 66 to one ormore generators 31. Control signal 82 may include electrical and/oroptical signals. For example, control signal 82 may be include a stringof output commands for each generator 31, and the entire string may beoutput to each generator 31 utilizing the electrical and/or opticalsignals, adding resiliency, in which the optical signals may be utilizedfor faster transmission.

As described above, the snap-fit connection between housing 61 andcompartment 23 may place connectors 67 in communication with conductors27, and maintain that communication over time, allowing for continuousoutput of control signals 82 from processing unit 60 and/or electricityfrom power source 66. A cover element may be attached to the proximalsurface 24 of body 20 to seal processing unit 60 within compartment 23,and/or reinforce or supplant the snap-fit connection between housing 61and compartment 23. For example, the cover may include a graphic design,a textual element, a writing surface, and/or like decorative feature. Asa further example, the cover may provide a mounting surface for othertechnologies, such as an antenna, signal amplifier, and/or supplementaldata transceiver.

Power source 66 may include any means for supplying electricity toprocessing unit 60 and/or the plurality of generators 31 (e.g., to eachcontroller 34). As shown in FIG. 5 , power source 66 may include arechargeable battery, such as a lithium ion battery, chargeable byconnection to an external power source, such as a wall outlet. Powersource 66 may include power generation technologies. For example, aproximal surface of power source 66 may include a power generator, suchas photovoltaic cells configured to charge the battery. As shown in FIG.5 , power source 66 also may include an optical energy source, such as alaser generator that is powered by power source 66 and configured tooutput optical energy to one or more generators 31 via optical pathwaysdefined by communication bus 65 and conductors 27.

Aspects of attachment element 70 are now described with reference toFIG. 2C. As shown, attachment element 70 may be configured to maintain aposition of tissue interface 30 against or adjacent skin 2. For example,element 70 may include an adhesive, elastic, and/or fastening elementconfigured to apply a maintaining force in signal direction SD. In FIG.2C, element 70 includes a proximal surface 72 adhered to the distalsurface 24 of body 20, and a distal surface 74 adherable with skin 2.Distal surface 74 of element 70 may include a biocompatible adhesiveconfigured to apply the maintaining force.

Attachment element 70 may be removably and/or semi-permanently attachedto skin 2 by the biocompatible adhesive. For example, a first adhesivematerial may be used to attach the proximal surface 72 to distal surface24, and a second adhesive material may be used to attach distal surface74 to skin 2. As a further example, the first adhesive may be strongerso that energy transceiver 10 may be removed from skin 2 withoutseparating surfaces 72 and 24. Either the first or second adhesivematerial may be biocompatible, and may include anti-bacterial and/ormoisture resistant coatings and/or compositions configured for prolongedcontact with skin 2. For example, at least the second adhesive materialmay be configured for contact with skin 2 during the entirety of a4-hour, 8-hour, 12-hour, 24-hour shift, or longer shift. One or bothadhesives also may be configured for semi-permanent contact with skin 2,such as during the entirety of a multi-month or multi-year treatmentperiod. For example, at least the second adhesive material may includemedicinal coatings and/or compositions that promote prolonged orsemi-permanent contact with skin 2 by time-releasing treatmentsconfigured to prevent or minimize contact-based injuries.

Body 20 and/or attachment element 70 may be configured to boost theefficacy of energy signal 90 by minimizing and/or maintaining thedistance between tissue interface 30 and skin 2, allowing signal 90 tobe communicated with less energy. For example, any of the one or moreenergies 32 may be output through body 20 and/or attachment element 70.As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, attachment element 70 may include aplurality of openings 76. Each opening 76 may be sized approximate toone of communication bays 25, allowing the energies 32 to be outputtowards skin 2 in signal direction SD through openings 76. For example,each opening 76 may have an inner diameter approximate to an outerdiameter of the communications bay 25 or housing 33 for each generator31. As shown in FIG. 2C, attachment element 70 may have a thickness thatallows tissue contact 39, electrical resistor 43, and/or electricalcontacts 49 to contact skin 2 through opening 76 or be adjacent to skin2 within opening 76.

Aspects of body 20 and/or attachment element 70 may direct and focus theenergies 32, making it easier for the brain to distinguish one output ofenergies 32 from another. In keeping with previous examples, body 20 andattachment element 70 of FIGS. 2B and 2C may be composed of basematerials including an impact absorbing material configured to absorbany excessive vibrations of skin 2 caused by impact energy 32A. One orboth base materials may include an insulating material configured todirect heat energy 32B, electrical energy 32C, and pressure energy 32Dthrough openings 76 along axis Z-Z; and prevent transmission of energies32B, 32C, and 32D along axis X-X and Y-Y. For example, body 20 andelement 70 of FIG. 2C may be configured to absorb any portion ofenergies 32 output incidentally in directions transverse to signaldirection SD to promote signal distinction by limiting unwantedcommunications. As a further example, each opening 76 of attachmentelement 70 in FIG. 2C may have a reflective coating and/or afrustoconical interior shape centered about axis z-z to further focusthe energies 32 towards skin 2.

As described herein, energy transceiver 10 may be operable tocommunicate energy signal 90 to skin 2 by outputting any energy 32, suchas impact energy 32A, heat energy 32B, electrical energy 32C, and/orpressure energy 32D, individually or together. For example, any energies32A-D may be used interchangeably or in combination to communicate anyof the dots shown in FIG. 1A as symbols 92A, 92B, and 92C. As nowdescribed, aspects of each energy 32 may be modified to increase thecomplexity of signal 90, and thus the amount of data transmittedtherewith. Modifiable aspects may include energy type, energy intensity,output duration, scroll rate, symbol shape, and the like.

Energy signal 90 may be communicated to skin 2 with energies 32,individually or together. In FIG. 1A, for example, each dot within firstsymbol 92A may be output with impact energy 32A; each dot within secondsymbol 92B may be output with heat energy 32B; and each dot within thirdsymbol 92C may be output with electrical energy 32C. The energies 32 maybe combined for additional emphasis. For example, the first symbol 92Amay be output with impact energy 32A in response to a baseline measure,and output with a combination of impact energy 32A and heat energy 32Bif the measure changes. The energies 32 also may be combined to enhancethe penetration depth of energy signal 90. For example, first symbol 92Amay be formed by first outputting pressure energy 32D to activate aportion of the nerves associated with skin 2, and second outputting heatenergy 32B to the activated nerves. Any individual dot may be similarlymodified relative to any other dot.

The intensity of energies 32 may be modified for emphasis. For example,processing unit 60 may be configured to output first symbol 92A withimpact energy 32A at a first intensity level in response to a baselinemeasure, and a second intensity level to highlight signal 92A if themeasure changes. Output duration may be similarly modified. For example,the output duration of energies 32 may be instantaneous for normalmeasures, like a quick tap (e.g., about 100 ms); extended for abnormalmeasures, like a short hold (e.g., 500 ms to 1 s); or a combinationthereof, as with Morse code. Scroll rate may be similarly modified. Forexample, symbols 92 may not be scrolled at all (i.e., a scroll rate ofzero), and output duration may be used to communicate change over timeby flashing symbols 92 off and or in a fixed position. As a furtherexample, in the healthcare setting, the scroll rate may be based on anupdate schedule (e.g., one revolution per minute), and/or the outputduration may be based on patient status (e.g., faster for more criticalpatients).

Symbol shape also may be modified. The plurality of symbols 92 are shownas pip pattern shapes in FIG. 1A, but any symbol shape may be used,particularly those amenable to dot-matrix representation. For example,the plurality of symbols 92 may include known Morse code, binarysymbols, lines, and/or directional arrows that are scrolled acrosscommunication area 4 in communication direction CD. Alphanumeric symbolsalso may be communicated. For example, input data 80 may include acontrol signal 82 generated from a Twitter® feed, and the symbols 92 mayinclude alphanumeric symbols for communicating the author, date, andcontent of each Tweet® contained in the feed. As a further example,input data 80 may include the subject and sender of an email, and thesignal generating program included in memory 64 may be configured to:prioritize the email based on the sender; and generate a control signal82 for outputting a set symbols 92 based on the subject, sender, andpriority of the email. For example, first symbols 92 may be output withimpact energy 32A to communicate the subject and/or sender ofprioritized emails in a shorthand notation, and at least one of heatenergy 32B, electrical energy 32C, pressure energy 32D to communicatethe priority level of the shorthand notation.

The resolution of tissue interface 30 may match or exceed thedistinguishing capabilities of the nerves associated with skin 2. Forexample, in the grid formation shown in FIG. 2B, the resolution oftissue interface 30 may be measured as energy output per square inch,which may exceed the natural energy receptivity limits of the nervesassociated with skin 2. As shown, the resolution of interface 30 may berelative to the spacing between each bay 25, the configuration of body20 and/or attachment element 70, and/or the intensity of energies 32.The energy receptivity limits of skin 2 may vary by location. Forexample, energy transceiver 10 may be attached to a portion of skin 2located in a highly innervated or sensitive area, such as the face,allowing even more complex symbol shapes to be communicated.

With sufficient resolution, tissue interface 30 may likewise beconfigured to output signal 90 to replicate image patterns and/or othersensory perceptions with energies 32, including any of the symbolsdescribed herein and even more complex interactions. As describedherein, the multi-energy capabilities of energy transceiver 10 may beconfigured to layer energies 32 so as to communicate far more compleximage patterns and/or sensory perceptions that would otherwise bepossible by communicating with a single energy because of the naturalreceptivity limits of the nerves, and their tendency to become lessreceptive during prolonged exposures.

Additional aspects of this disclosure are now described with referenceto numerous additional examples of energy transceiver 10, including: anexemplary energy transceiver 110 shown conceptually in FIG. 6A; anexemplary energy transceiver 210 shown conceptually in FIG. 6B; anexemplary energy transceiver 310 shown conceptually in FIG. 6C; anexemplary energy transceiver 410 shown conceptually in FIG. 6D; anexemplary energy transceiver 510 shown conceptually in FIG. 7A; anexemplary energy transceiver 610 shown conceptually in FIG. 7B; anexemplary energy transceiver 710 shown conceptually in FIG. 7C; anexemplary energy transceiver 810 shown conceptually in FIG. 7D; and anexemplary energy transceiver 910 shown conceptually in FIGS. 9A-B.

Each variation of transceiver 10, such as transceivers 110, 210, 310,410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910, may include elements similar to those oftransceiver 10, but within the respective 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600,700, 800, or 900 series of numbers, whether or not those elements aredepicted in FIGS. 6A through 9B. Any aspects described with referencesto transceivers 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, and 910 may beincluded within any variation of transceiver 10 described herein, eachpossible combination or iteration being part of this disclosure. Forexample, any variation of transceiver 10 may comprise any combination ofthe wearable aspects of transceivers 110, 210, 310, and 410; thecontact-based aspects of transceivers 510 and 610; and the implantableaspects of transceivers 710 and 810; and/or any multi-signal aspects oftransceiver 910.

Additional wearable aspects are now described with reference to FIGS.6A-D. As shown in FIG. 6A, energy transceiver 110 may include: a body120 and a tissue interface 130, both shown conceptually with a dottedline; and an attachment element 170, shown conceptually as a sweat band.Any type of band may be used, such as a head band, an arm band, or abandana. Body 120 may wrap around a portion of skin 2, such as circularportion of skin 2, like around a human forearm or forehead. As shown inFIG. 6A, body 120 may be mounted on attachment element 170; and tissueinterface 130 may be mounted on a distal surface of body 120. Forexample, body 120 may be mounted on a distal surface of element 170; andtissue interface 130 may wrap around the circular portion of skin 2 withbody 120, providing a curved rectangular communication area 4 and asemi-circular (e.g., less than 360°) or circular (e.g., 360°)communication direction CD for energy signal 90.

Attachment element 170 (e.g., a sweat band) may be configured tomaintain tissue interface 130 against or adjacent a portion of skin 2,such as against the arm or forehead, allowing energy signal 90 to beoutput in signal direction SD and/or scrolled around the head tocommunication are 4 in communication direction CD. For example, the bandmay include an elastic portion that pushes body 120 and tissue interface130 distally toward skin 2 when placed around the circular portion ofskin 2, i.e., when the sweat band of FIG. 6A is worn. As shown, theelastic portion may be proximal of energy transceiver 110, attached to aproximal surface of body 120, and configured to apply a circumferentialmaintaining force that maintains the position of interface 130 whenelement 170 is worn.

As shown in FIG. 6B, energy transceiver 210 may include: a body 220 anda tissue interface 230, both shown conceptually with a dotted line; andan attachment element 270, shown conceptually as a baseball cap. Anycap, hat, helmet, or like headwear may be used. Body 220 may wrap arounda circular portion of skin 2 including the forehead and/or scalp. Asshown in FIG. 6B, body 220 may be mounted on attachment element 270; andtissue interface 230 may be mounted on a distal surface of body 220. Forexample, body 220 may be mounted on a distal surface of element 270; andtissue interface 230 may wrap around the circular portion of skin 2 withbody 220, providing a semi-circular (e.g., less than 360°) or circular(e.g., 360°) communication area 4 and communication direction CD forenergy signal 90. As a further example, body 220 and tissue interface230 may have a semi-spherical shape covering interior surfaces of cap270 for output of energy signal 90 to a semi-spherical communicationarea 4 of skin 2 in any communication direction(s) CD.

Similar to attachment element 170 of FIG. 6A, attachment element 270(e.g., a cap) also may include an elastic or non-elastic portionconfigured to maintain tissue interface 230 against or adjacent aportion of skin 2, such as against the forehead, allowing energy signal90 to be output in signal direction SD and/or scrolled around the headin communication direction CD. For example, the elastic or non-elasticportion may push body 220 and tissue interface 230 distally toward skin2 when placed around the circular portion of skin 2, i.e., when the capof FIG. 6B is worn. As shown, the elastic or non-elastic portion may beproximal of energy transceiver 210, attached to a proximal surface ofbody 220, and configured to apply a circumferential maintaining forcethat maintains the position of interface 230 when attachment element 270is worn. For example, the elastic or non-elastic portion may comprise atension fastening mechanism, such any snaps, Velcro®, or other typicallyfound on headwear.

As shown in FIG. 6C, energy transceiver 310 may include a body 320 and atissue interface 330, both shown conceptually a dotted line; and anattachment element 370, shown conceptually as a sock. Any tube-likegarment may be used, including gloves, shoes, stockings, and the like.Body 320 may wrap around a circular portion of skin 2, such as around aleg. As shown in FIG. 6C, body 320 may be mounted on attachment element370; and tissue interface 330 may be mounted on a distal surface of body320. For example, body 320 may be mounted on a distal surface of element370, and tissue interface 330 may wrap around the circular portion ofskin 2 with body 320, providing a semi-circular (e.g., less than 360°)or circular (e.g., 360°) communication area 4 and direction(s) CD.

Similar to above, attachment element 370 (e.g., a sock) may include anelastic layer configured to maintain tissue interface 330 against oradjacent a portion of skin 2, such as against the leg, allowing energysignal 90 to be output in signal direction SD and/or scrolled around thehead in communication direction CD. For example, the elastic layer maypush body 320 and tissue interface 330 distally toward skin 2 whenplaced around the circular portion of skin 2, i.e., when the sock ofFIG. 6C is worn. As before, the elastic layer may be proximal of energytransceiver 310, attached to a proximal surface of body 320, andconfigured to apply a circumferential maintaining force that maintainsthe position of interface 330 when attachment element 370 is worn.

As shown in FIG. 6C, transceiver 310 may be removably attached toattachment element 370, and thus operable with a plurality of elements370, such as plurality of socks or other tube-like garments thattypically become soiled during use. For example, element 370 may includea pouch configured to receive and secure body 320, orient tissueinterface 330 toward skin 2, and/or maintain the position tissueinterface 330 on or adjacent skin 2. As a further example, the elasticlayer and/or the pouch may include an opening, and portions of body 320may be engageable with (e.g., snap fit into) the opening to furthermaintain interface 330.

As shown in FIG. 6D, for example, energy transceiver 410 may include abody 420 and a tissue interface 430, both shown conceptually with adotted line; and an attachment element 470, shown conceptually as acompression garment. Any type of compressive garment may be used, suchas those made by Under Armour®. Body 420 of FIG. 6D may wrap around aportion of skin 2, and be composed of an impacting absorbing material(e.g., foam) configured to dissipate external impact forces directedtoward the skin 2. For example, body 420 may be a thigh pad used inhockey or American football, a shin guard used in soccer, or any othertype of protective pad with a distal surface that is desirablymaintained against skin 2. Similar to above, body 420 may be mounted onattachment element 470; and tissue interface 430 may be mounted on adistal surface of body 420. For example, body 420 may be mounted on adistal surface of element 470; and tissue interface 430 may wrap aroundthe circular portion of skin 2 with body 420, providing a curvedcommunication area 4 and direction CD for signal 90.

Attachment element 470 (e.g., the compression garment) may include anelastic weave configured to maintain tissue interface 430 against oradjacent a portion of skin 2, such as against the arm or forehead,allowing energy signal 90 to be output in signal direction SD and/orscrolled around the head to communication area 4 in communicationdirection CD. For example, the elastic weave may push body 420 andtissue interface 430 distally toward skin 2 when placed around thecircular portion of skin 2, i.e., when the compression garment of FIG.6D is worn. In this example, the elastic weave may be attached to body420, and configured to apply a circumferential maintaining force thatmaintains the position of interface 430 when attachment element 470 isworn.

Similar to above, energy transceiver 410 may be removably attached toattachment element 470, and thus operable with a plurality of elements470, such as plurality of compressive garments. For example, impactabsorbing body 420 may be mounted in a pocket of attachment element 470,and tissue interface 430 may be mounted on a distal surface of impactabsorbing body 420, such as in a distal compartment of body 420.Transceiver may be a game-time accessory. For example, as shown in FIG.6D, signals 90 may comprise a plurality of arrows scrolled alongcommunication direction CD to communicate movements to the user. In thisexample, the user may be trained to move in a particular direction(e.g., left or right) and intensity (e.g., slow or fast) based on theoutput of energy signal 90 and the particular combination of energies 32associated therewith.

Although not shown in FIGS. 6A-D, attachment elements 170, 270, 370, and470 may include any adhesive and/or energy focusing elements, includingthose described above. For example, any aspects of attachment element 70of FIG. 2C may be combined with any aspects of attachment elements 170,270, 370, or 470 of FIG. 6A-D to further maintain a position of tissueinterface 430 relative to skin 2 and/or focus the energies 32 accordingto aspects of this disclosure. Aspects of any attachment elements may becombined and operable together. For example, attachment element 470 maybe include an opening, body 420 may be snapped into the opening, and asecond attachment element (e.g., a biocompatible low-tack adhesive) maybe configured to further fix the position of interface 430 relative toskin 2 during rigorous physical activity, such as running.

As described above, aspects of energy transceivers 110, 210, 310, and410 may be included with any wearable item, giving aspects of thisdisclosure incredible breadth. For example, aspects of any of attachmentelements 170, 270, 370, and 470 may be integrated into any wearable itemincluding any type of band, strap, or like item including anycombination elastic and/or non-elastic layers or portions. Exemplaryattachment elements may include: bandages, wherein the tissue interfacemay be located on a distal surface of a skin-attachment portion; belts,wherein the tissue interface may be located on a distal surface of thebelt; bras, wherein the tissue interface may be located on a distalsurface of a bra strap; earrings, wherein the tissue interface may belocated on a distal surface of an earring front or back; pants, whereinthe tissue interface may be located on a distal surface of a waste lineor seam; rings, wherein the tissue interface may be located on aninterior distal surface; shirts, wherein the tissue interface may belocated on a distal surface of a neckline; underwear, wherein the tissueinterface may be located on a distal surface of the legs or waistline;watches, wherein the tissue interface may be located on a distal surfaceof the watch strap; and any known or obvious variation of the same.

Aspects of transceivers 10, 110, 210, 310, and 410 may be likewiseincluded on any non-wearable object with a distal surface that isdesirably maintained against skin 2 during use by application of anexternal force, such as a gravity force, a gripping force, or otherexternally applied maintaining force. Additional external force-basedaspects are now described with reference energy transceiver 510 of FIG.7A and energy transceiver 610 of FIG. 7B.

As shown in FIG. 7A, energy transceiver 510 may include: a body 520 anda tissue interface 530, both shown conceptually with a dotted line; andan attachment element 570, shown conceptually as a shoe or a shoeinsert. Any type of footwear and/or foot support with equivalentsurfaces may be used. Body 520 may include a surface contoured forplacement against skin 2, such as an underside of a foot. As shown inFIG. 7A, body 520 may be mounted on attachment element 570; and tissueinterface 530 may be mounted on or embedded in a distal portion of body520, allowing gravity to at least partially maintain interface 530against or adjacent skin 2, and providing a foot-shaped communicationarea 4 and communication direction CD for energy signal 90.

Attachment element 470 may additionally comprise any tensioning elementsconfigured apply a maintaining force that maintains the position ofinterface 530 when attachment element 570 is worn, such as shoe laces,Velcro, pumping mechanisms, elastic straps or structures, and the like.As a further example, attachment element 570 may be composed of animpact absorbing material, such as a polymeric material configured todistribute forces around body 520 when walking or running; and includebolster shapes contoured to further maintain tissue interface 530 bylimiting lateral movements of the foot relative thereto.

Accordingly, energy signal 90 may be communicated to the communicationarea 4 of skin 2 by tissue interface 530 in any communication directionCD with any combination of energies 32. As shown in FIG. 7A, energysignal 90 may include a plurality of directional shapes (e.g., thearrows of FIG. 7A) flashed and/or scrolled in a linear direction tocommunication directional movements. The directional shapes may beresponsive to directional data. For example, transceiver 510 may beconfigured to receive the directional data from one or more sources(e.g., GPS signals), determine communication direction CD based on thedirectional data, and scroll energy signal 90 across skin 2 asdirectional shapes scrolling along communication direction CD to compelmovement of the user in a direction.

In keeping with above, transceiver 510 also may be configured todetermine an importance measure based on the directional data, andcommunicate energy signal 90 with a particular combination of energies32 and/or at a particular scroll rate based on the importance measure todirect a movement aspect, such as pace or direction. In the healthcaresetting, for example, the directional data may include a vital sign of apatient and the GPS location of the patient; and transceiver 510 maydetermine the scroll rate based on the vital sign, allowing energysignal 90 to guide a healthcare provider toward the patient at walkingpace appropriate for the condition of the patent. For example, energysignal 90 may be communicated a faster scroll rate with high intensityenergies 32 to alert the provider to run if needed.

As shown in FIG. 7B, for example, energy transceiver 610 may include abody 620 and a tissue interface 630, both shown conceptually with adotted line; and an attachment element 670, shown conceptually as a grippanel attached to the grip of a gun. Any type of gun may be used,including the handgun with a pistol grip and any other type of gun withsimilar surfaces that are gripped during use. In FIG. 7A, tissueinterface 630 may be located on a distal surface of element 670 that istypically pushed toward a portion of skin 2 of a hand by a grip forceapplied by the hand during use, providing a regular or irregular shapedcommunication area 4. Attachment element 630 may further maintaininterface 630 by limiting movements the hand. For example, element 630may be 3D printed based on a scan of the hand to include an outwardlycurving surface shaped that maintains interface 630 against skin 2 bylimiting movements of the hand relative to tissue interface 430 whengripped.

Accordingly, energy signal 90 may be communicated to the communicationarea 4 of skin 2 by tissue interface 630 in any communication directionCD with any combination of energies 32. Aspects of energy signal 90 maybe responsive to data, as with previous examples. For example, as shownin FIG. 7B, attachment element 670 (e.g., the gun) may include a sight,and energy signal 90 may include at least one decisional shape flashedand/or scrolled to communicate a status associated with gun based on aposition of the sight. For example, energy transceiver 610 may includean elevation or motion sensor, and signal 90 may be output to skin 2 asa first shape (e.g., a circle) with a first energy (e.g., anycombination of energies 32A-D) whenever the sensor indicates that thesight of the gun has been raised with the safety off, alerting the userto a status of the gun. As a further example, energy transceiver 10and/or the gun may be configured to determine whether the sight isaligned with a specific target, and output signal 90 as a second shape(e.g., an X shape) with a second energy (e.g., any combination ofenergies 32A-D), alerting the user to a status of the target.

Any individual or combined aspects of energy transceivers 10, 110, 210,310, 410, 510, and 610 may likewise be included on any non-wearableobject with a distal surface that is desirably maintained against skin 2during use by application of an external force, such as a gravity, agripping force, or other externally applied maintaining force. Forexample, aspects of tissue interfaces 510 and 610 may likewise beincluded on a distal surface of any load bearing surface of any type ofattachment element. For example, aspects of attachment element 570 or670 of FIGS. 7A-B alternatively may include a bar, a chair, a handle, afloor, a rope, a wall, or any like object with a skin facing surfacethat is generally maintained against skin 2 during use; and aspects ofissue interfaces 530 or 630 of FIGS. 7A-B alternatively may be mountedtherewith so that energy signal 90 may be output to skin 2 whenever thealternative attachment element 570 or 670 is used.

Additional implantable aspects are now described with reference toenergy transceiver 710 of FIG. 7C and energy transceiver 810 of FIG. 7D.As shown in FIG. 7C, for example, energy transceiver 710 may include abody 720 and a tissue interface 730, both shown conceptually with adotted line; and an attachment element 770, shown conceptually as aportion of a bone plate. Any type of bone plate or other implantableobject may be used. Attachment element 770 of FIG. 7C includes aproximal bone-facing surface and a distal skin-facing surface. Thebone-facing surface may be maintained against the bone by anycombination of adhesives, screws, wires, and/or other bone fixationtechnologies. The skin-facing surface may maintain the position oftissue interface 730 relative to the bone, allowing for movement of skin2 relative to interface 730. For example, tissue interface 730 may bemounted in a compartment on the skin-facing surface.

As above, energy signal 90 may be communicated to the communication area4 of skin 2 by tissue interface 730 in any communication direction CDwith any combination of energies 32. As shown in FIG. 7C, signal 90 mayinclude any combination of shapes moving in any communication directionCD, including any combination of shapes and/or directions, any of whichmay be flashed and/or scrolled with any energies 32. In contrast toabove, energy signal 90 of FIG. 7C may be output toward the underside ofskin 2, allowing for more direct communication with nerves associatedwith skin 2. Aspects of transceiver 710 and energy signal 90 may bemodified according to the implanted location of attachment element 770.For example, tissue interface 730 may be embedded in an attachmentelement 770 sized for placement against a radius or finger bone whereinthe distance between skin 2 and bone is minimal, allowing signal 90 tobe communicated with less energy. As a further example, interface 730may be mounted on an attachment element 770 sized for placement againsta radius or ulna, wherein the distance between skin 2 and the bone islarger.

Similar to above, aspects of body 720 and/or attachment element 770 maydirect and focus the energies 32, making it easier to distinguish oneoutput of energies 32 from another and/or prevent the energies 32 frombeing output to bone. Alternatively, all or portion of the energies 32may be output toward the bone-facing surface of element 770 tocommunicate signals and/or apply treatments to the bone. For example,the energies 32 may be output through body 720 and/or attachment element770 in a proximal and/or distal direction, such as through a pluralityof openings extending through element 770. As a further example, thedistal surface of body 720 may include a first tissue interface 730and/or the bone-facing surface of body 730 may include a second tissueinterface 730, allowing a corresponding set of first and/or secondenergy signals 90 to be toward in a first direction toward skin 2 and/ora second direction toward the bone.

As shown in FIG. 7D, for example, energy transceiver 810 may include abody 820 and a tissue interface 830, both shown conceptually with adotted line; and an attachment element 870, shown as a biocompatibleouter surface layer surrounding body 820. Any type of biocompatiblematerial or containing structure may be used. In this example,attachment element 870 may comprise a tissue in-growth promotingexterior layer that maintains the orientation and/or position of tissueinterface 30 over time by interacting with living tissue. For example,element 870 may be composed of a polymeric material, such as a variantof polyether ether ketone (or “PEEK”); and/or include an outer surfacetextured to promote tissue ingrowth.

Energy signal 90 may be output from tissue interface 830 as above. Asshown in FIG. 7D, tissue interface 830 may be oriented so that thesignals 90 are output through attachment element 870 and toward acommunication area 4 under skin 2 in a signal direction SD. For example,aspects of body 820 and/or attachment element 870 may direct and focusthe energies 32 toward discrete areas 4 on the underside of skin 2,making it easier for the brain to distinguish one output of energies 32from another and/or preventing the energies 32 from being output otherliving portions, such as bone or muscle. Alternatively, all or portionof the energies 32 may be output simultaneously from proximal and distalsides of element 870 to communicate with nerves associated with skin 2and the other living portions. For example, the energies 32 may beoutput through body 820 and/or attachment element 870 in eitherdirection through a plurality of openings extending therethrough. Alsosimilar to above, transceiver 810 may include a first interface 830disposed opposite a second interface 830, allowing for output of acorresponding set of first and second energy signals 90.

Additional aspects are now described with reference to energytransceiver 910 of FIGS. 8A and 8D, demonstrating that any variation oftransceiver 10 described herein may be configured to output a pluralityof signals 90. For example, energy transceiver 910 may be configured tooutput a plurality of energy signals 90 in a signal direction SD towardskin 2. As shown in in FIGS. 8A and 8B, transceiver 910 may output afirst signal 990 ₁ in a first divided area or band 924 ₁, and a secondsignal 990 ₂ in a second divided area or band 924 ₂. Each signal 990 ₁and 990 ₂ may include a plurality of symbols. In FIG. 8A, for example,the symbols include dots made visible through an exemplary cut-out intransceiver 910 as they would be communicated to skin 2, similar to FIG.1A. Likewise, some of the generators 931 are shaded in FIG. 8A indicateoutput of energies 32, similar to FIG. 2B.

Transceiver 910 may comprise: a body 920; a tissue interface 930; aprocessing unit 960; and an attachment element 970. Similar to above,body 920 may contain elements of transceiver 10 within a flexiblebiocompatible base material that is conformable against skin 2, andmaintainable against skin 2 for prolonged and/or semi-permanentdurations. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, body 920 may have a lengthextending along a longitudinal axis X-X, a width extending along alateral axis Y-Y, and a thickness extending along a proximal-distal axisZ-Z, similar to body 20 of FIGS. 2A-C. The length, width, and/orthickness of body 920 may be compatible with a curved portion of skin 2,as in FIG. 8A, where body 920 is curved along axis X-X. For example,body 920 may be curved and/or wrapped around any body shape, such as ahuman forearm, a human shin, and/or portions of a human torso.

As also shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, body 920 may define a proximal surface922, a distal surface 924, a distal compartment 926, and an interiorconduit 928. The proximal surface 922 may include a cover 923 mountedthereto. Cover 923 may include a graphic design, a textual element, awriting surface, and/or like decorative feature. As shown in FIG. 8B, adistal surface of cover 923 may include a first attachment element(e.g., a first Velcro strip) engageable with a second attachment element(e.g., a second Velcro strip) on the proximal surface 922, allowingcover 923 to be switched-out as needed. The second attachment elementalso may attach body 920 to another object such as the inside of agarment.

Tissue interface 930 may be similar to any variation of tissue interface30 described herein. As shown in FIG. 8B, tissue interface surface 930may be mounted in the distal compartment 926 of body 920, and includeplurality of energy generators 931 directed toward skin 2. Eachgenerator 931 may be similar to generators 31 described above. Forexample, each generator 931 may be operable with processing unit 960 tooutput energies 32 individually and/or in combination in a signaldirection SD; and contained with base material 933 (e.g., epoxy) thatdirects and/or focusses energies 32 in the signal direction SD. Eachgenerator 931 may likewise include a plurality of generator elementsarranged (e.g., coaxially) to output their respective energies 32 inapproximately the same direction along an axis z-z, making the outputsinterchangeable. As before, the energies 32 may include impact energy32A (e.g., FIG. 4A), heat energy 32B (e.g., FIG. 4B), shock energy 32C(e.g., FIG. 4C), pressure energy 32D (e.g., FIG. 4D); and/or any likeenergies.

In contrast to above, the plurality of generators 931 may be arrangedinto a plurality of divided areas or bands. As shown in FIG. 8B, thewidth of body 920 along lateral axis Y-Y may include the first band 924₁ of generators 931, which may extend around the length of body 920along a first longitudinal axis X₁-X₁ of transceiver 910; and the secondband 924 ₂ of generators 931, which may extend around the length of body20 along a second longitudinal axis X₂-X₂. The generators 931 located infirst band 924 ₁ may be configured to output first signal 990 ₁, and thegenerators 931 located in second band 924 ₂ may be configured to outputsecond signal 990 ₂. To enhance distinguishability, an interior portionof compartment 926 and/or base material 933 may physically separatefirst band 924 ₁ from second band 924 ₂, as in FIG. 8B.

As shown in FIG. 8A, processing unit 960 may be configured to: receivefirst input data 980A from a first data source 981A; receive secondinput data 980B from a second data source 981B; and output a controlsignal 982 and/or to electricity to generators 931, causing variouscombinations of said generators 931 to output first signal 990 ₁ andsecond signal 990 ₂. For example, processing unit 960 of FIGS. 8A and 8Bmay include any elements of processor 60 of FIG. 5 , such as transceiver62, one or more processors 63, memory 64, communication bus 65, andpower source 66. Each of these elements may perform a similar functionwithin processing unit 960. Similar to above, one or more wired and/orwireless connections (e.g., such as conductors 27) may extend betweenprocessing unit 960 and each generator 931.

Attachment element 970 may maintain a position of tissue interface 930against or adjacent skin 2. As shown in FIG. 8B, attachment element 970may be proximal of tissue interface 930, and configured to maintain theposition of interface 930 by applying a distally-directed force to body920. The distally-directed force may press tissue interface 930 againstskin 2, and/or cause portions of interface 930 to conform against acurvature of skin 2. As also shown in FIG. 8B, attachment element 970may include a strap 972 extending through an interior conduct 928 ofbody 920. Strap 972 may apply the distally-directed force. For example,strap 972 may be composed of a resilient material (e.g., metal) having across-sectional shape (e.g., a semi-circular shape) that maintains body920 in either an elongated configuration (e.g., FIGS. 2A-C) or a curvedconfiguration (e.g., FIG. 8A), like a slap bracelet.

Attachment element 970 also may apply the distally-directed force byapplying a tensile force to strap 972. As shown in FIG. 8A, a first end973 of strap 972 may extend from one end of conduit 928, a second end977 of strap 972 may extend from another end of conduit 928, and thetensile force may be imparted by removably attaching ends 973 and 974.For example, a proximal surface of the first end 973 may include a firstattachment element (e.g., a first Velcro strip), a distal surface ofsecond end 974 may include a second attachment element (e.g., a secondVelcro strip), and the first and second attachment elements may beoverlapped to impart the tensile force. Any type of attachment elementmay be used to attached ends 973 and 974, including buckles, ratchets,and the like. In some aspects, band 972 may be an elastic band, and ends973 and 974 may be permanently attached together.

Processing unit 960 may be removably attached to transceiver 910,allowing for easy repairs and upgrades. As shown in FIG. 8A, processingunit 960 may be attached to a distal surface of the first end 973 ofstrap 972, and connected to tissue interface 930 by one or moreconductors. For example, similar to conductors 27 described above, theconductors may include a network that is located in distal compartment926 with tissue interface 930, and configured to transmit power and/orcontrol signals between processing unit 960 and generators 931. As shownin FIG. 8A, a distal surface of processing unit 960 may include one ormore sensors 968, and attachment element 970 may be configured tomaintain a position of the one or more sensors 968 one or adjacent toskin 2, allowing characteristics of the user to be monitored and/oroutput with processing unit 960.

Signals 990 ₁ and 990 ₂ may be similar to signal 90 of FIG. 1A. Forexample, first signal 990 ₁ may include a plurality of first symbolsoutput in first band 924 ₁, and second signal 990 ₂ may include aplurality of second symbols output in second band 924 ₂. As shown inFIGS. 8A and 8B, each of first and second symbols and/or dot may beassociated with different data. For example, in the healthcare setting,first signal 990 ₁ may include first symbols associated with a firstpatient, and each first symbol may be associated with a vital sign forthe first patient; whereas second signal 990 ₂ may include secondsymbols associated with a second patient, and each second symbol may beassociated with a vital sign for the second patient, allowing the userto simultaneously monitor the first and second patients with transceiver910.

As shown in FIG. 8A, first signal 990 ₁ may be scrolled around firstband 924 ₁ by outputting energies 32 toward skin 2 in signal directionSD, and moving the output across skin 2 in a first communicationdirection CD₁; and second signal 990 ₂ may be scrolled around secondband 924 ₂ by outputting energies 32 toward skin 2 in signal directionSD, and moving the output across skin 2 in a second communicationdirection CD₂. Each signal 990 ₁ and 990 ₂, and/or each first or secondsymbol included therein, may be configured for increased complexity,allowing more data to be transmitted therewith. In keeping with theprevious healthcare example, each signal 990 ₁ and 990 ₂ may be scrolledin one of communication directions CD₁ or CD₂ at a scroll rateassociated with a vital sign of the respective first and second patients(e.g., pulse rate); each first and second symbol may be associated withanother vital sign for said first and second patients (e.g., bodytemperature, pulse rate, respiration rate, and/or blood pressure); andthe first and second symbols may be output with different combinationsof energies 32 to communicate different aspects the vital signals (e.g.,an increase or decrease in body temperature, pulse rate, respirationrate, and/or blood pressure).

Although shown as having two divided areas (e.g., first band 924 ₁ andsecond band 924 ₂) configured to output two different energy signals(e.g., first signal 990 ₁ and second signal 990 ₂), transceiver 910 mayinclude any number of divided areas having any shape. For example, thewidth of body 920 may accommodate a plurality of divided areas, at leastone tissue interface 930 may be located in each divide area, andattachment element 970 may be configured to maintain each tissueinterface 930 against a different portion of skin 2. For example, body920 of FIG. 8A may accommodate a plurality of bands spaced apart along alength of a limb (e.g., a forearm), and each band (e.g., similar tobands 924 ₁ and 924 ₂) may output a different energy signal (e.g.,similar to signals 990 ₁ and 990 ₂) based on input data from a differentdata source (e.g., similar to sources 981 ₁ and 981 ₂). In a healthcaresetting, each data source may include a patient monitoring device,allowing the user to simultaneously monitor a plurality of differentpatients with transceiver 910.

Various methods associated with transceiver 10 are now described,including methods of operating transceiver 10. Aspects of each methodmay be used with any variation of transceiver 10 described herein, suchas transceivers 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, and 910described above. For ease of description, aspects these methods are nowdescribed with various references to these exemplary transceivers,including numerous references to energy transceiver 10. Unless claimed,these references are exemplary and non-limiting.

As shown in FIG. 9 , an exemplary method 1000 may comprise: receiving,with processing unit 60, input data 80 for a communication device 10including a tissue interface 30 maintainable on or adjacent skin 2, theinterface 30 including a plurality of energy generators 31, eachgenerator 31 being operable to output a plurality of energies 32 in asignal direction SD toward skin 2 (a receiving step 1020); andoperating, with processing unit 60, the plurality of energy generators31 to communicate with nerves associated with the skin 2 by outputtingone or more energies (e.g., any of energies 32A, 32B, 32C, and 32D) ofthe plurality of energies 32 in the signal direction SD based on inputdata 80 (an operating step 1040).

Receiving step 1020 may comprise receiving input data 80 from one ormore data sources 81. For example, the one or more data sources 81 mayinclude at least one of patient monitoring device, a remote server, anda sensor. In this example, receiving step 1020 may comprise receivinginput data 80 from the one or more data sources 81 at regular intervals,and operating step 1040 may comprise outputting the one or more energiesbased on the input data 80 received during each regular interval.

Input data 80 may include a control signal 80, and operating step 1040may comprise outputting the one or more energies based on the controlsignal 82. Alternatively, method 1000 may comprise: generating, withprocessing unit 60, control signal 82 based on input data 80, whereinoperating step 1040 may comprise outputting the one or more energiesbased on control signal 82. For example, the generating step 1030 mayinclude associating the input data 80 with a plurality of symbols 92,and operating step 1040 may comprise communicating the symbols 92 withthe one or more energies. In this example, the input data 80 may includemeasurements (e.g., vital signs of a patient), and each symbol may beassociated with one or more of the measurements (e.g., one or more ofthe vital signs).

In any of these examples, the one or more energies may include a firstcombination of the plurality of energies 32 (e.g., impact energy 32A andpressure energy 32D); and a second combination of the plurality ofenergies 32 (e.g., heat energy 32B and pressure energy 32D). The firstcombination may be followed by any second combination(s). For example,the one or more energies may include a first energy (e.g., impact energy32A) communicable with a first portion of the nerves (e.g., Meissner'scorpuscle); and a second energy (e.g., heat energy 32D) communicationwith a second portion of the nerves (e.g., the Ruffini corpuscle).

Operating step 1040 may alternatively comprise: operating, withprocessing unit 60, the plurality of energy generators 31 to communicateenergy signal 90 to nerves associated with the skin 2 by outputting oneor more energies of the plurality of energies 32 in signal direction SDbased on input data 80. For example, step 1040 may comprise outputtingdifferent combinations of the one or more energies, and each differentcombination may communicate a different portion of the energy signal 90.Similar to above, energy signal 90 may include one or more symbols 92,and operating step 1040 may comprise outputting the one or more energiesto communicate the one or more symbols 92. Step 1040 may comprisescrolling the one or more symbols 92 across skin 2 in a communicationdirection CD transverse with the signal direction SD; and/or flashingany of symbols 92 on-and-off. The plurality symbols 92 may include anytype of signal, including pip patters, alphanumeric symbols, and thelike.

Various energy types may be used. For example, operating step 1040 maycomprise outputting a first combination of the one or more energies tocommunicate a first symbol of the one or more symbols (e.g., symbol92A), and outputting a second combination of the one or more energies tocommunicate a second symbol of the one or more symbols (e.g., symbol92B). In some aspects, operating step 1040 may comprise: outputting afirst combination of the one or more energies to communicate energysignal 90 and outputting a second combination of the one or moreenergies to communicate a characteristic of energy signal 90, so as tohighlight energy signal 90 or a portion thereof. Input data 80 mayinclude a measurement, and step 1040 may comprise outputting a firstcombination of the one or more energies based on the measurement. Inthis example, step 1040 may comprise modifying the first combinationbased on a change of the measurement, and/or outputting a secondcombination of the one or more energies based on the change of themeasurement.

The larger size of transceiver 910 relative to transceivers 10 may allowfor different methods of operation. As shown in FIG. 10 , for example,an exemplary method 1100 may comprise: receiving, with processing unit960, input data 980 for a communication device 910 including a tissueinterface 930 maintainable on or adjacent skin 2, the interface 930including a plurality of energy generators 931 arranged in bands 924 ₁and 924 ₂, each generator 931 being operable to output a plurality ofenergies 32 in a signal direction SD toward the skin 2 (a receiving step1120); and operating, with processing unit 60, the plurality of energygenerators 931 in each band 924 ₁ and 924 ₂ to communicate with nervesassociated with the skin 2 by outputting one or more energies of theplurality of energies 32 in response to the input data 80 (an operatingstep 1140).

Receiving step 1020 may comprise receiving input data 980 from one ormore data sources 981. As shown in FIG. 10 , for example, step 1020 maycomprise receiving a first input data 980A from a first data source981A, and a second input data 980B from a second data source 981B. Inputdata 980 may include a plurality of measurements. Accordingly, receivingstep 1020 may comprise receiving input data include a plurality ofmeasurements; and operating step 1040 may comprise operating theplurality of energy generators 931 in each band 924 ₁ and/or 924 ₂ tooutput the one or more energies based on one measurement of theplurality of measurements.

In the healthcare setting, first data source 981A may include a patientmonitoring device or sensor configured to output measurements associatedwith a first patient, and second data source 981AB may include a patientmonitoring device or sensor configured to output measurements associatedwith a second patient. The measurements may include vital signs for therespective first and second patients. In this example, receiving step1120 may comprise receiving input data 980 including a plurality ofvital signs; and operating step 1140 may comprise operating theplurality of energy generators 931 in each band 924 ₁ and 924 ₂ tooutput the one or more energies based on one vital sign of the pluralityof vital signs. For example, step 1140 may comprise operating thegenerators 931 in band 924 ₁ to output energies 32 based on the vitalsigns for the first patient, and/or operating the generators 931 in band924 ₂ to output energies 32 based on the vital signs for the secondpatient.

Aspects of energies 32 may be modified based on the measurements. Forexample, operating step 1040 may comprise: outputting a firstcombination of energies 32 when the at least one of the measurements isinside of an acceptable range; and outputting a second combination ofenergies 32 when at least one of the measurements is outside of theacceptable range. In the healthcare setting, one of the vital signs ofthe patient (e.g., pulse rate) may serve as the baseline measure.

Similar to above, input data 980 may include a control signal for eachband 924 ₁ and 924 ₂, and operating step 1140 may comprise outputtingthe energies 32 based on the control signal for each band 924 ₁ or 924₂. Alternatively, method 1100 may further comprise: generating, with theprocessing unit 960, a control signal for each band 924 ₁ and 924 ₂based on input data 980, wherein the operating step 1140 comprisesoutputting the energies 32 based on the control signal for each band.

Also similar to above, operating step 1140 also may comprise operatingthe plurality of energy generators 931 to simultaneously communicate aplurality of energy signals to nerves associated with the skin 2 byoutputting an energy signal in each band with energies 32, and/orscrolling the energy signal in its respective band. As shown in FIG. 10, step 1140 may comprise outputting first energy signal 990 ₁ in firstband 924 ₁ with a first combination of energies 32, and outputtingsecond energy signal 990 ₂ in second band 924 ₂ with a secondcombination of energies 32. Each signal 990 ₁ and 990 ₂ may include aplurality of symbols (e.g., symbols 92), and operating step 1140 maycomprise scrolling the symbols across one of bands 924 ₁ and 924 ₂. Inkeeping with above, first signal 990 ₁ (and any symbols containedtherein) may be scrolled along a first communication direction CD₁transverse with signal direction SD, and second signal 990 ₂ (and anysymbols contained therein) may be scrolled along a second communicationdirection CD₂ transverse with signal direction SD.

Although described with reference to two divided areas (e.g., first band924 ₁ and second band 924 ₂) configured to output two energy signals(e.g., first signal 990 ₁ and second signal 990 ₂), it is contemplatedthat method 1100 may be configured for any number of divided areas.Accordingly, variations of method 1100 may allow the user tosimultaneously monitor a plurality of sources of input data, from one ormore data sources, with aspects of transceiver 910 described herein.

Additional aspects described above with reference to transceivers 10,110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810 and 910, and methods 1000 and1100, are now described with reference to a communication system 2000.Aspects of an exemplary system 2000 are depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12 . Asshown in FIG. 11 , communication system 2000 may comprise a plurality ofenergy transceivers configured to receive input data and output one ormore of a plurality of energies 32 to different locations of skin 2according to the input data. Each transceiver may include any elementand perform any function described above with reference to transceivers10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810 and 910, and methods 1000 and1100. Different aspects may be combined in system 2000. For example, asshown in FIG. 11 , system 2000 may comprise: a first energy transceiver2012 on a head of a user 1, similar to transceiver 110 of FIG. 6A; asecond energy transceiver 2014 on one arm of user 1, similar totransceiver 900 of FIGS. 9A-B; a plurality of energy transceivers 2016attached to a torso of user 1, similar to transceiver 10 of FIGS. 2A-C;an energy transceiver 2018 on each leg of user 1, similar to transceiver410 of FIG. 6D; and an energy transceiver 2020 in each shoe of user 1,similar to transceiver 510 of FIG. 7A.

Each transceiver 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020 may be interconnectedin system 2000 so that coordinated control signals may be output to eachtransceiver for output of a corresponding signal 90 with a correspondingone or more of energies 32. The coordinated control signals may be usedto coordinate activities or movements of user 1 in response to the inputdata. As shown in FIG. 11 , each of said transceivers may output dataassociated with a first form or position of user 1, receive input dataregarding a second form or position, and output signals 90 in the sameor communication directions CD to direct the user 1 to move according tothe desired form or position. In one aspect, the first form or positionmay be a first pose or stance, and the second form or position may be asecond pose; in other aspects, the first form or position may be a first(e.g., GPS) position on a field, and the second form or position may bea second (e.g., GPS) position on the field.

As shown in FIG. 11 , for example, transceiver 2012 may scroll a firstsignal 90 in a first communication direction CD₁ around the head;transceiver 2014 may scroll a second signal 90 around the arm in asecond communication direction CD₂; transceivers 2016 may output thirdsignals 90 without scrolling; transceivers 2018 may scroll fourthsignals 90 in communication directions CD_(3R) and CD_(3L) around thelegs; transceivers 2020 may scroll fourth signals 90 in communicationdirections CD_(4R) and CD_(4L) across the feet. Accordingly, each of therespective signals and communication directions may be coordinated insystem 2000 to direct the user to move in a particular direction and/ormove one or more of their limbs into a particular form or position.

Aspects of methods 1000 and 1100 may be modified for use within system2000. As shown in FIG. 12 , for example, an exemplary method 2100 maycomprise: receiving, with one or more processors, position data for aplurality of communication devices (e.g., transceivers 2012, 2014, 2016,2018, 2020) mountable on or adjacent skin, each device including atissue interface with a plurality of energy generators 31, eachgenerator 31 being operable to output a plurality of energies 32 in asignal direction SD toward skin 2 (a “receiving step 2120”); receivingor generating, with the one or more processors, a corrective motionsignal for the plurality of communication devices based on position datafor each communication device (a “receiving or generating step 2140”);and operating, with the one or more processors, the plurality of energygenerators 31 of each communication device to output one or moreenergies of the plurality of energies 32 in signal direction SD based onthe corrective motion signal. Although described with reference toelements of transceiver 10, method 2100 may be performed with anytransceiver described herein.

Additional aspects described above with reference to transceivers 10,110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810 and 910, methods 1000 and 1100,system 2000, and method 2100 are now described with reference to aspectsof an energy transceiver 3010 shown in FIGS. 13A, 13B, 14A, and 14B. Asbefore, any aspect of energy transceiver 3010 may be combined with anyaspect described above.

As shown in FIG. 13A, energy transceiver 3010 may include: a body 3020and a tissue interface 2030; and an attachment element 3070, shownconceptually as a band in this example. As above, body 3020 may wraparound a circular portion of skin 2, such as around the human forearmshown in FIG. 13B. For example, as before, body 3020 may be mounted onattachment element 3070; and tissue interface 3030 may be mounted on adistal surface of body 3020, providing a curved rectangularcommunication area 4 and a semi-circular (e.g., less than 360°) orcircular (e.g., 360°) communication direction CD for energy signal 90.In keeping with above, attachment element 3070 (e.g., the band) may beconfigured to maintain tissue interface 3030 against or the forearm whenelement 3070 is worn, allowing energy signal 90 to be outputcommunication area 4 in signal direction SD and/or scrolled across area4 in communication direction CD.

As described above, aspects of each energy 32 may be modified toincrease the complexity of energy signal 90, and thus the amount of datatransmitted therewith; and the modifiable aspects may include energytype, energy intensity, output duration, scroll rate, symbol shape, andthe like, providing an incredibly broad range of obtainable complexity.Training may be required to leverage the full communicative capabilitiesof tissue interface 3030 and signal 90. For example, within a repetitionprogram, the user may be trained to more easily and/or quickly todistinguish between: any number of known shapes output by one ofenergies 32, such as between a pip two dot pattern output with impactenergy 32A and a pip four dot pattern output with energy 32A; or thesame shape output with different energies 32, such as a pip five dotpattern with impact energy 32A or heat energy 32B.

Communicating more complex variations, unknown signals, and/or unknownshapes may require additional training. For example, interface 3030 mayoutput energy signal 90 to include pip patterns in which each dot isoutput with a different combination of energies 32, allowing the patternto be associated with a target, and each dot to be associated with acharacteristic thereof. In the healthcare setting, for example, thepattern may be associated with a patient, and each dot may be associatedwith a different vital sign of the patient, providing immediate insightinto patient health that may be updated continuously. Further trainingmay be required to quickly distinguish between the characteristicscommunicated by each dot in these examples, particularly if energysignal 90 includes a plurality of pip patterns, as shown in FIG. 2C; ora dynamic shape, such as the echocardiogram depicted in FIGS. 13A and13B; the plurality of echocardiograms depicted in FIG. 14A; or thealphanumeric symbol stream depicted in FIG. 14B.

Aspects of energy transceiver 3010 may be configured to provideadditional communicative capabilities to, for example, assist withtraining. As shown in FIG. 13A, transceiver 3010 may further comprise anoptical interface 3030′ compatible with eyes of the user. For example,optical interface 3030′ may comprise at least one display elementoperable to output an optical energy signal 90′ to the eyes, such as aflexible LED configured to output a plurality of colors. Any displaytechnology may be used. As shown in FIG. 13A, interface 3030′ mayprovide a curved optical communication area that wraps around apparatus3010 along an axis X-X and/or substantially corresponds with thecommunication area 4. For example, tissue interface 330 may beconfigured to output non-optical energy signal 90 toward skin 2 with oneor more energies 32 in a first or distal direction toward skin 2; andoptical interface 330′ may be configured to output optical signal 90′with one or more colors in a second or proximal direction toward theeyes.

Energy transceiver 3010 may comprise a processing unit similar to anyvariation of processing unit 60 described herein. For example, theprocessing unit may be operable with tissue interface 3030 and opticalinterface 3030′ to simultaneously communicate with nerves associatedwith skin 2 and the eyes by outputting signal 90 distally and signal 90′proximally at the same time. Additional training capabilities may berealized by the simultaneous outputs. For example, the user may alreadybe trained to react to optical signal 90′, whether or not signal 90 iscommunicated, such as when transceiver 3010 excludes interface 3030.Accordingly, by consistently outputting energy signal 90 with opticalsignal 90′, the user may be trained to react to recognize and react toenergy signal 90 with or without optical signal 90′.

In a healthcare setting, for example, optical signal 90′ may communicatea vital sign of a patient to the eyes of a provider, such as theechocardiogram of FIG. 13A; and energy signal 90′ may communicate thesame vital sign to skin 2 of the provider at the same time. For example,signals 90′ and 90 may be scrolled together in communication directionCD along axis X-X to simultaneously communicate aspects of the vitalsign over time. As a further example, signal 90′ may comprise aplurality of colors, and the output of energies 32 in signal 90 may bemodified according to a color matching algorithm to communicate similaraspects to skin 2 at the same time. Reactions to different vital signsmay be trained in this manner. As shown in FIG. 13B, for example, afirst portion of optical interface 3030′ may output a first opticalsignal 90A′, a second portion of interface 3030′ may output a secondoptical signal 90B′, corresponding portions of tissue interface 3030 mayoutput corresponding energy signals 90, much like interface 930described above. As also shown in FIG. 13B, the signals 90A′ and 90B′may be different, in which one may be a vital sign and other may includesymbols communicating related patient data as above.

Accordingly, by simultaneously outputting optical signal 90′ togetherwith energy signal 90, transceiver 3010 may train reactions to anystimulus, such as the exemplary vital signs and signals depicted inFIGS. 13 and 13B. As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the complexity of thestimulus may be increased. For example, as shown in FIG. 14A, opticalinterface 3030′ and tissue interface 3030 may output their respectivesignals in a plurality of rows arranged around axis X-X, wherein eachrow includes a different set of corresponding signals movable along acommunication direction CD that is transverse with axis X-X. In thisexample, four rows are shown as outputting four different opticalsignals, including a first optical signal 90A′, a second optical signal90B′, a third optical signal 90C′, and a fourth optical signal 90D′. Acorresponding set of rows and outputs may be realized by tissueinterface 90.

In the healthcare setting, for example, each output of optical signals90A′, 90B′, 90C′ and 90D′ together with its corresponding energy signal90 may communicate a different vital sign of a different patient to aprovider, training them to simultaneously monitor all of the differentpatients at once. As described above, aspects of each energy signal 90,such as energies 32, may be modified to communicate changes in theassociated vital sign. For training purposes, the color of opticalsignals 90A, 90B, 90C, and 90D may be varied based on these changes sothat the provider may be trained to first recognize the changes basedone of the optical signals; and second recognize the same changes basedon one of the energy signals based on the color matching algorithm. Forexample, the color matching algorithm may comprise a correspondencebetween visual colors and energy intensity, in which warmer colors(e.g., red) are associated with higher intensities and cooler colors(e.g., blue) are associated with lower intensities.

Another example is provided in FIG. 14B, in which each output of signals90A′, 90B′, 90C′ and 90D′ together with its corresponding signal 90 maycommunicate aspects of an alphanumeric stream. As shown in FIG. 14B, forexample, each alphanumeric stream may comprise a stock ticker so thatthe user may be trained to simultaneously monitor a plurality oftickers. As before, aspects of the different optical signals 90A′, 90B′,90C′, and 90′D may be modified simultaneously with aspects of theircorresponding energy signals 90 to communicate changes over time.

In keeping with above, optical interface 3030′ and tissue interface 3030may be configured to individually and/or simultaneously output signals90′ and 90 to include any symbols and shapes, as well as more complexdepictions, such as graphics. For example, for more complex depictions,the color matching algorithm may be used to output differentcombinations of energies 32 based on color.

Optical interface 3030′ may comprise touchscreen capabilities allowingmanipulation of signals 90 and/or 90′ by interaction therewith. Forexample, the position of each row depicted in FIGS. 14A and 14B may bemovable via a tactile interaction with interface 3030′. As shown in FIG.13B, for example, attachment element 3070 may maintain the position oftissue interface 3030 on or adjacent skin 2 of a forearm, meaning thatat least some portion of optical interface 3030′ may not be aligned withthe eyes of the user at all times. Accordingly, because of the dynamiccapabilities of interfaces 3030 and 3030′, the touchscreen capabilitiesof apparatus 3010 may allow the user to move a particular row intoalignment with the eyes by scrolling the rows together around axis X-X,in which the outputs of signals 90A′, 90B′, 90C′, and 90′D andcorresponding energy signal 90 move with each row. Any type oftouchscreen-enabled two-way communication means may be used, includingbuttons, sliders, textual inputs, graphic inputs, and the like.

Aspects of methods 1000, 1100, and 2100 and/or system 200 may bemodified according to aspects of energy transceiver 3010. For example,any method steps described herein may be modified to comprise trainingand/or communication steps according to the above-described aspects oftransceiver 3010. As a further example, the second energy transceiver2014 shown in FIG. 11 may comprise transceiver 3010, which may befurther operable with each of transceivers 2012, 2016, 2018, and 2020 totrain the user. To provide another example, aspects of each transceiverwithin system 2000 also may be configured to placement at a particularsensory zone of skin 2, and transceiver 3010 may be used to both tunethe respective energy signals 90 for output to each zone and train theuser to react accordingly based on one or more of the signals 90. Inthis example, the receptive capabilities of the nerves associated withskin 2 in each zone may vary, and transceiver 3010 may be configured tooperate the transceivers in system 2000 so that the most complex signalsare communicated to the most receptive zones.

While principles of the present disclosure are disclosed herein withreference to illustrative aspects for particular applications, thedisclosure is not limited thereto. Those having ordinary skill in theart and access to the teachings provided herein will recognizeadditional modifications, applications, aspects, and substitution ofequivalents all fall in the scope of the aspects disclosed herein.Accordingly, the present disclosure is not to be considered as limitedby the foregoing description.

1. A system comprising: a body having a skin facing surface and anopposing surface; and at least one energy generator operably coupled tothe body and comprising a plurality of generator elements operable tooutput a plurality of different energy types in a signal directiontoward skin, each generator element of the plurality of generatorelements being independently operable to output one energy type of theplurality of different energy types in the signal direction, wherein,when the skin facing surface of the body is positioned relative to theskin, the at least one energy generator is operable to affect tissuesassociated with or adjacent to the skin by causing one or more generatorelements of the plurality of generator elements to output an energysignal in the signal direction with one or more energy types of theplurality of different energy types.
 2. The system of claim 1, whereinthe body is wearable on or adjacent the skin to position the skin facingsurface of the body relative to the skin.
 3. The system of claim 1,comprising a wearable item that positions the skin facing surface of thebody relative to the skin, wherein the wearable item is selected fromthe group consisting of a garment, a sweat band, a cap, a sock, a glove,a shoe, a stocking, a belt, a bra, an earring, pants, a ring, a shirt,underwear, and a watch strap.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the bodycomprises an impact absorbing material that dissipates external impactforces directed toward the skin when the skin facing surface of the bodyis positioned relative to the skin.
 5. The system of claim 4, whereinthe body is selected from the group consisting of a thigh pad, a shinguard, an elbow pad, and a shoe insert.
 6. The system of claim 1,wherein the body wraps around a curved portion of the skin to positionthe skin facing surface of the body relative to the curved portion ofskin.
 7. The system of claim 6, comprising a garment that removablyhouses the body, wraps around the curved portion of the skin, andprovides a compressive force that maintains a location of the skinfacing surface of the body relative to the curved portion of the skinwhen the body is housed in the garment and the garment is wrapped aroundthe curved portion of the skin.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein thegarment comprises a tensioning element that provides the compressiveforce and the tensioning element is selected from the group consistingof an adhesive, a cord, an elastic, a snap, a Velcro®, and a weave. 9.The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one energy generator causesthe one or more generator elements of the plurality of energy generatorsto output the energy signal in the signal direction responsive to inputdata from a data source.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the datasource comprises a sensor operable to generate the input data.
 11. Thesystem of claim 10, comprising at least one processor in datacommunication with the data source and the at least one energygenerator.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more energytypes of the plurality of different energy types are selected from thegroup consisting of an impact energy, a heat energy, an electricalenergy, and a pressure energy.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein theplurality of generator elements are selected from the group consistingof: an impact generator element comprising a mechanical actuatoroperable to convert a first quantity of electricity into an impactenergy; a heat generator element comprising an electric resistoroperable to convert a second quantity of electricity into a heat energy;a shock generator element comprising electrical contacts operable toconvert a third quantity of electricity into an electrical energy; and apressure generator element comprising an electroacoustic transduceroperable to convert a fourth quantity of electricity into a pressureenergy.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of generatorelements comprise: a first generator element operable to output animpact energy; and a second generator element operable to output a heatenergy.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the second generator elementat least partially surrounds the first generator element so that theimpact energy and the thermal energy are output in the signal directiontoward a similar area of the skin.
 16. The system of claim 1, whereinthe plurality of generator elements comprise: a first generator elementoperable to output an impact energy; and a second generator elementoperable to output an electrical energy.
 17. The system of claim 16,wherein the second generator element at least partially surrounds thefirst generator element so that the impact energy and the electricalenergy are output in the signal direction toward a similar area of theskin.
 18. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of generatorelements comprise: a first generator element operable to output animpact energy; and a second generator element operable to output apressure energy.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the secondgenerator element at least partially surrounds the first generatorelement so that the impact energy and the pressure energy are output inthe signal direction toward a similar area of the skin.
 20. The systemof claim 1, comprising a display element that is operably coupled to theopposing surface of the body and operable to output at least one colorin a second signal direction away from the skin.
 21. The system of claim20, wherein the at least one energy generator is operable to cause thedisplay element to output an optical signal in the second signaldirection with the at least one color while simultaneously causing theone or more generator elements of the plurality of generator elements tooutput the energy signal in the signal direction with the one or moreenergy types of the plurality of different energy types.
 22. The systemof claim 21, wherein the display element comprises one or more LEDsoperable to output a plurality of different colors.